Breaking the Broken Record: How Teachers of Color Matter for Students' Life After High School

• In Event: Moscone Center West Roundtable Session 12
  In Roundtable Session: Supporting Black and Latinx Teachers: Influences of Teachers of Color

Abstract

Given that oppression within and beyond schooling continues to impact “real life” for people of color, Black and Latinx students benefit from preparation for life beyond high school. This paper presents findings from a case study in an urban school about the key influencers of how students of color think about life after high school and the practices that distinguish the support students receive from male teachers of color. Findings suggest that Black and Latinx students recognize family above teachers as the most influential figures for their thinking. Nonetheless, teachers of color stood out among school staff. Students appreciated teachers of color for advising them with honesty and openness about the adversity they faced after high school.

Authors

• Caleb Emmanuel Dawson, University of California - Berkeley

• Travis J. Bristol, University of California - Berkeley