Replicating a Vacuum: Gen Z Teachers Experiences of and Teaching for Controversial Issues

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 3:45 pm - Gold 3
  In Roundtable Session: Beliefs, Feelings, and (Im)Possibilities

Abstract

This study explores the experiences of Gen Z social studies teachers with learning controversial issues during 2020 and how these experiences shape their (un)willingness to address sensitive topics. Unfortunately, participants reported their teachers adopting an avoidant/neutral stance. Fear of community backlash constraints visions of future teaching.

Authors

• Caiden Webb, University of Missouri

• Antonio J. Castro, University of Missouri

• Julia Dunn, University of Missouri