Building Coalitions and Learning Across Differences

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

Coalitions across difference bring together individuals or groups with varying cultural identities (e.g., race, ethnicity, language, religion), experiences (e.g., urban vs. rural education, different socioeconomic backgrounds), professional roles (e.g., teacher, student, administrator, parent, policymaker), and onto-epistemic stances (e.g., varied approaches to pedagogy, equity, and reform). These coalitions aim to address systemic inequities, promote culturally sustaining practices, and create shared frameworks for preparing teachers to meet the needs of all students. In this session, the panelists will discuss ways that have applied strategies for building coalitions including creating inclusive spaces for dialogue, defining a central purpose and shared goals, embracing intersectionality, and building relational trust.

Sub Unit

• Division K - Teaching and Teacher Education

Chair

• Jennifer M. Collett, Lehman College - CUNY

Participants

• David O. Stovall, University of Illinois at Chicago

• Shamari Reid, New York University

• Cathery Yeh, University of Texas at Austin

• Rhoda Freelon, The Spencer Foundation

• Lauren Wells, Kean University

Discussant

• Karla Hernández-Mats, American Federation of Teachers