It Begins With Us: A Self-Study, Critical Friendship Exploration of Racial Literacy in Teacher Education

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 4:15 pm - Gold 2
  In Roundtable Session: Self-Studies of Critical Transformations in Teacher Education

Abstract

This research explored how two early career Women of Color educators of teachers
conducted a self-study, critical friendship inquiry to examine and analyze their pedagogical
practices of unpacking implicit biases within their teacher candidates regarding their diverse
students’ identities, language, cultures, and communities through racial literacy development and
culturally sustaining pedagogy. Through exploration of reflective reading, writing, and critical
dialoguing, these educators examined ways they acted as critical friends during the academic
year to navigate and develop strategies to push against unconscious attitudes and stereotypes
their teacher candidates brought into their classrooms. This research offers strategies to
reimagine and reshape teacher preparation futures in the spaces of implicit biases.

Authors

• Tara Kirton, Hunter College - CUNY

• Yvette M. Regalado, University of Texas - San Antonio