Best Practice as Barrier Rather than Bridge: Navigating Tensions Within Myself and With My Students

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Sunday 9:45 am - Gold 2
  In Roundtable Session: Exploring Inclusive Teaching Practices through Self-Study

Abstract

I seek to prepare teachers who are equipped to support, challenge, and connect with every student in their care. Their practicum placements, however, are in the rural, traditional, majority-white counties surrounding our university, so candidates do not observe nor are they encouraged to use progressive pedagogy ideal for students from diverse backgrounds. To supplement my students’ experiences, I partner with schools in diverse, urban settings and share examples plucked directly from those classrooms. While this approach fostered rapport and credibility in the past, it has built barriers in recent years, leaving me discouraged. This self-study is an opportunity to immerse myself in purposeful reflection regarding the balance of challenging students’ status quo with best practice while fostering trusting, caring relationships.

Author

• Kristina J. Doubet, James Madison University