Coming Together in Conflicted Times: Making Sense of the Sociopolitical Landscape in a PLC

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 1:45 pm - Gold 2
  In Roundtable Session: Navigating Tension and Transformation: Preparing Teachers for Justice in a Divided World

Abstract

This presentation will share findings from a study on a professional learning community (PLC) of teacher educators and preservice teachers that met regularly to discuss the current sociopolitical climate and the implications this climate might have for the work of novice educators, including those who hope to promote diversity and equity-oriented pedagogies in their classrooms. The researcher will share initial findings from the study, including that the PLC resulted in preservice teachers feeling more knowledgeable and confident in their work as they prepared for their student teaching semesters and future classroom careers. Preservice teachers also reported feeling more confident in their ability to advocate for the pedagogies that they felt personally committed to, including pedagogies to promote diversity and equity.

Author

• Jennifer Ervin, University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire