Social Network Structures and Race: An Exploration of Preservice Teachers' Feelings of Trust and Belonging

• In Event: Preservice Teachers' Emotions

Abstract

Trust and sense of belonging are fundamental aspects of safe and positive learning environments. This is especially true in teacher education programs because learning to teach is a project in vulnerability, often characterized by dissonance and self-doubt. These negative feelings may be amplified for preservice teachers of color as whiteness is often pervasive and normalized in TEPs. Using social network analysis, we explored the relationship between social network structures, race, and trust and sense of belonging in two PST cohorts (N=67). This study extends literature that explores the social networks of PSTs and research that explores experiences of PSTs of color in TEPs.

Authors

• Peter Bjorklund, University of California - San Diego

• Alan J. Daly, University of California - San Diego