Community-Based Teacher Education: Transformative Practices Ignited by Youth Organizers

• In Event: Exploring the (Micro)Politic Tensions Inherent in Action Research

Abstract

This paper examines the impact of designing and implementing a community-based social studies methods course alongside youth organizers and their adult allies. Importantly, this paper contributes to the scholarship pertaining to community-based teacher education by centering the voices and lived experiences of youth organizers who are social change agents within their schools and communities. In turn, this paper acknowledges and disrupts systemic barriers in order to bring teacher candidates and youth organizers together through dialogue and reflection for transformative action. This process enhances teacher candidates’ understanding and use of community-based pedagogy while supporting youth organizers in their intersectional social justice initiatives. Informed by community-based action research, this paper advocates for transformative practices within community-based teacher education ignited by youth organizers.

Author

• Kaitlin Elizabeth Popielarz, The University of Texas-San Antonio