“Like a Family Reunion”: Cultivating Bonding, Bridging, and Instrumental Ties Among Math Educators of Color (Stage 1, 12:08 PM)

• In Event: e-Lightning Ed-Talk Session 12 - Stage 1

Abstract

Math educators of color often face professional isolation and limited access to affirming support systems. This study examines the Bank Street Math Educators Collective (BSMEC), a national professional learning network (PLN) designed to create a culturally affirming community for diverse math educators. Guided by social capital theory and PLN literature, we explore how participants build bonding, bridging, and instrumental ties through the PLN. Results show participants reported a sense of belonging to the PLN and the broader math educator community, more diverse networks, and expanded access to professional resources. These findings suggest intentionally designed PLNs can cultivate key forms of social capital, offering a promising approach for supporting the retention and advancement of math educators of color.

Authors

• Fenot Aklog, Bank Street College of Education

• Yeonji Kang, Bank Street College of Education

• Hanna Nichols, Bank Street College of Education

• Paula Lee Poy, Bank Street College of Education

• Tarima Levine, Bank Street College of Education