Unpacking Father Engagement in Teacher Preparation: Views, Biases, and Opportunities

• In Event: Preparing Educators to Work with Culturally Diverse and Multilingual Families

Abstract

This qualitative study explores preservice educators’ views of fathers and how fatherhood is represented in teacher education coursework. Utilizing grounded theory and photo-elicitation methods, data from 92 students revealed four major themes: Attachment & Love, Presence & Everyday Magic, Absence & Harm, and Redefining Fatherhood. Document analysis of course materials revealed two main themes: Mothers as Central Figures and Parental Negativity and Blame, showing a consistent overemphasis on mothers and underrepresentation of fathers, and inconsistent consideration of sociocultural factors when framing parental engagement. Findings highlight missed opportunities to prepare teachers for inclusive family engagement. Collective findings call for revised curricula, community partnerships, and reflective practices that promote strengths-based understandings of fathers in education.

Authors

• Kyle Elizabeth Miller, Illinois State University

• Jordan Arellanes, Illinois State University

• Watsachol Narongsaksakul, Illinois State University