From Awareness to Action: Multicultural Literature as a Tool for Inclusive, Cross-Cultural Teacher Preparation

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 9:45 am - Gold 2
  In Roundtable Session: Transformative Curricula and Student Empowerment

Abstract

This presentation demonstrates how preservice teachers (PSTs) can strengthen their multicultural competence by critically evaluating and thoughtfully integrating multicultural children’s literature in PreK-12 classrooms. The primary objective is to provide practical strategies for using diverse texts to create equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning environments. Grounded in restorative and transformative justice frameworks and culturally relevant pedagogy, this work highlights how literature addressing race, ethnicity, age, socioeconomic status, ability, religion, gender, and language serves as a tool to foster belonging and challenge dominant narratives. Participants will engage with evaluation tools designed to support this purpose. This session offers concrete pathways for PSTs to reimagine educational futures through storytelling practices that honor historically marginalized voices and promote inclusion in the classroom.

Authors

• Elsie Solis, California State University - San Marcos

• Nirmla Griarte Flores, California State Polytechnic University - Pomona

• Isabel Badilla Zamora, Universidad Nacional of Costa Rica