Toward a Model of Caring Solidarity: Successful White Teachers of African American Students in Two Raced and Gendered Urban Classrooms

• In Event: 31.091 - Roundtable Session 10
  In Roundtable Session: 31.091-25 - Issues in Urban Education: Diversity and Social Justice

Abstract

Most teachers seen by students of color during any given day will be White. This racial dynamic can lead to a cultural mismatch resulting in teachers who perceive Black and Latino/a students as discipline problems. There is a counternarrative of teachers who are able to bridge that racial divide and meet their students in relationships based on caring and solidarity. Some of these models require a type of other mothering. However, while they can be caring, some teachers are unable to use these techniques. It is important to find an appropriate framework for any gendered and raced high school teacher to care for students that allows all parties to be comfortable with the relationship.

Author

• Michael L. Boucher, Texas A&M University - San Antonio