How Does Critical Race Theory Make Me Wrong? Perspectives From the Field Through Teacher Educators' Voices

• In Event: Critical Examinations of Democratic Citizenship in Teacher Education

Abstract

This paper addresses recent controversies around critical race theory in education from within the conceptual frameworks of democracy, ethics of care, empathy, and perspective taking. Most US Americans, regardless of political party, support the ideals of democracy and efforts to continually improve the country. However, fears of being labeled racist, feeling guilty for being white, or losing power are prompting political efforts to end equity training and are polarizing democracy. We examined the historical underpinnings of current events in the U.S. through news and social media. As teacher educators, we used our lived experiences and varied identities to reflect on the effect of these ideas in our states as they apply to pre-service teacher education.

Authors

• Tami E. Ryan, Iowa State University

• Laura Edwards, University of Northern Iowa

• Seema Rivera, Clarkson University

• Esther T. Clark, Middle Tennessee State University