Voice and Choice: Moving From Social Justice Awareness to Action in a Clinical Preparation Program

• In Event: Navigating Change in Teacher Educator Practice and Identity

Abstract

There is a crucial need for socially just and equitable educators within our education system. Clinical preparation programs are pivotal in the development of teaching philosophies, pedagogical knowledge, and practices. Successfully embedding a focus on equity and social justice in clinical preparation programs prepares educators to serve a diverse student population. This collaborative self-study voices the experiences of two university-based supervisors and three teacher candidates as they moved from social justice awareness to action within a clinical preparation program. Using the sociocultural approach to narrative analysis, we examined our stories and experiences over one year of clinical preparation program. Findings show a transformative shift from awareness to action was supported by community cultivation, intentional pedagogical practices, and critical conversations.

Authors

• Jennifer Iris Perez, University of South Florida

• Brianna Catherine Connors, University of South Florida - Tampa