Freedom Dreaming Towards Ethnic Studies in Tumultuous Times: Teacher-and-Researcher Reflections on Race, Pedagogy, and Power

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

In an era when teaching and discussions of difference are increasingly politicized, this symposium examines the integration of Ethnic Studies in 8th-grade social studies classrooms. Drawing on data from a 6 week curricular intervention, this symposium illuminates the power of Ethnic Studies to enhance student learning, inspire pedagogical genius, and refuse neoliberal ideals. These papers collectively highlight a Ethnic Studies repertoire of pedagogical excellence through critical inquiry of life-affirming pedagogical rituals, “imagine a world” final project community symposia, and “Freedom Dreaming”-oriented teacher-research partnerships. Through teacher voices, these papers illuminate the promises and tensions of justice-centered education and offer strategies for sustaining Ethnic Studies in middle school settings during a growing resistance and tumultuous educational landscapes.

Sub Unit

• Division G - Social Context of Education / Division G - Section 2: Differences and Intersectionalities

Chair

• Suneal H. Kolluri, University of California - Riverside

Papers

• Feasibility of Middle School Ethnic Studies Implementation - Gabriela López, Stanford University

• Classroom Cultures of Love, Living, and Learning: A Portraiture of Life-Affirming Pegagogical Rituals in Ethnic Studies Lessons - Natalie Hibdon, San Francisco Unified School District

• Cultivating Knowledge of Self Through Autoethnography and Community Listening Parties in Middle School Ethnic Studies - Elias Bautista, San Francisco Unified School District

• Rethinking Social Studies: Expanding Students’ Worldview through the Integration of Ethnic Studies - Kathryn Marcouiller, San Francisco Unified School District

• Ethnic Studies Pedagogical Horizons: Educators' Reflections on Desired Skills, Standpoints, and Content Knowledge of Incoming Students - Darion A. Wallace, Stanford University

Session Organizer

• Darion A. Wallace, Stanford University

Discussant

• Farima Pour-Khorshid, University of San Francisco