Testimonios of Latinx Mentors: Challenging Deficit Views Through Culturally Responsive Mentorship

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 11:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: Teacher Efficacy, Mentorship and Cultural Responsiveness

Abstract

This qualitative study examines Latinx undergraduate mentors' experiences in a university-community partnership where undergraduates mentor multilingual middle schoolers in a culturally responsive after-school setting. Using testimonios as methodology, this research positions participant voices as legitimate knowledge sources while maintaining systematic analytical rigor. Findings reveal how mentors' educational marginalization experiences became sources of strength in their mentoring practice. The program functioned as a counter-space, enabling mentors to understand their oppression while working toward inclusive educational communities. Through testimonios, this study illuminates historical continuities of educational oppression experienced by Latinx students and demonstrates how critical reflection on deficit-framed journeys catalyzes commitment to educational transformation and advocacy for policies supporting future Latinx students.

Authors

• Carla Suarez Soto, University of California - Santa Cruz

• Isabella Hernandez, University of California - Santa Cruz

• Karina Sarahy Hernandez, University of California - Santa Cruz

• Mayte Flores Ortega, University of California - Santa Cruz