To Belong and Be Heard: Male Educators of Color Navigating TK–12 School Settings

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 1
  In Roundtable Session: Strength of Voice: Narratives of Persons of Color in Education

Abstract

Our research examines a community group titled: Male Educators of Color (MEC). MEC provides a shared space for discussion and support amongst undergraduate students, preservice teachers, practicing teachers, administrators, and university faculty. We examine the cultivation of a discursive space for male educators of color and posit that community groups such as MEC provide a ‘sacred space’ to commune with one another, collaborate, reflect and deconstruct experiences in the field and/or within teacher preparation programs. Participants helped one another navigate the policies of local school systems that oftentimes present barriers to male educators of color. MEC meetings allowed voices to be heard, accomplishments recognized, concerns shared, and assistance to one another as each member moved forward in their careers.

Authors

• Mike F. Suarez, Sonoma State University

• Rajeev Virmani, Sonoma State University

• Damien Mason, Sonoma State University