Educators' Experiences Working With and Caring for Latinx Immigrant Students in a Rural Community

• In Event: Knowledge and Care: Language Equity for Rural Students

Abstract

Rural communities across the United States are experiencing a rapid increase in the number of immigrant students. While the number of culturally and linguistically diverse students continues to grow within Midwestern states, the demographics of teachers remain white, female, and monolingual. Often teachers have little to no training working with students and their families whose backgrounds differ from their own. Thus, there is a greater urgency for teachers to develop culturally competent teaching practices that address the needs of all students. This paper explores rural educators’ beliefs, attitudes, and practices grounded in their experiences of working with Latinx immigrant students.

Author

• Stephanie Oudghiri, Purdue University