Aspirantes: Hermandad and Mentorship as an Innovative Approach Ensuring the Success of Latinx Preservice Teachers

• In Event: Latinx Teachers on Teaching

Abstract

This qualitative research study expands notions about first generation Latinx college students, Aspirantes, participating in a bilingual teacher preparation program. The findings indicated that Aspirantes engaged in identity formation as a direct result of their participation in a bilingual teacher preparation program.  Imparting wisdom for Aspirantes through the use of cariño and consejos were critical to providing opportunities for self-reflection, thus resulting in a healing process of the body, mind and soul. This journey towards healing for bilingual preservice teachers of color leads to important implications found in this study that recognize the need for pedagogical shifts of decolonized pedagogies developed from a culture of Comadrazgo and Hermandad.

Authors

• Esther Victoria Garza, Texas A&M University - San Antonio

• Hsiaoping Wu, Texas A&M University-San Antonio

• Myriam Jimena Guerra, Texas A & M University- San Antonio

• Katherine Espinoza, Texas A&M University-San Antonio