The Figured World of NxtGEN: Reimagined Spaces for Preparing Diverse Working-Class Students for Teaching

• In Event: 66.036 - The Role of Culture in Preparing Teachers and Experienced by Teachers

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore a unique four-year, undergraduate residency designed to recruit and successfully support diverse, first generation students into teaching. We use the theoretical perspective of ‘figured worlds’ laid out by Holland, Lachicotte, Skinner, and Cain (1998) to analyze how the intentional construction of a new ‘figured world’ for these first generation, diverse students creates a space in which they ‘author’ strong, positive academic and professional identities.

Authors

• Barbara Seidl, University of Colorado - Denver

• Cindy Gutierrez, University of Colorado - Denver

• Paula Gallegos, University of Colorado - Denver

• Kobi K. Nelson, University of Colorado - Denver

• Lisa Silverstein, University of Colorado - Denver

• Susan C. Connors, University of Colorado - Denver