Secondary STEM Teachers' Post-Hurricane Experiences and Acts of Agency in the USVI

• In Event: Advocating for Equity in 21st Century Education

Abstract

Prior to the COVID-19 and anti-Black pandemics of 2020, Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria disrupted schooling and destroyed many key educational resources in the United States Virgin Islands (USVI). This study analyzes teacher interviews to explore how secondary STEM teachers in the USVI created innovative learning spaces and acted as agents of change following the hurricanes as well as the material, financial, and emotional losses experienced by these teachers as they navigated unprecedented challenges. Preliminary findings show teachers adjusted curriculum and instruction given substantial material and financial losses, teachers demonstrated agency in terms of their own learning, their encouragement of students, and their commitment to doing what’s best for their students. Findings also examine teachers’ perceptions and support of students.

Authors

• Diana Bowen, University of the Virgin Islands

• Lawanda Cummings, University of the Virgin Islands

• Nadia Monrose, University of the Virgin Islands