Cultivating Change: Latinx Teachers, Retention, and LatiCrit Insights in Central Texas

• In Event: The Politics of Teaching

Abstract

The Latinx teacher shortage is a national crisis. According to the Pew Research Center (2021), Latinx teachers constitute only 9% percent of public school teachers in the U.S. This paper investigates the systemic challenges and retention issues faced by Latinx teachers within a Central Texas School District (CTSD) through the lens of LatCrit theory. This qualitative case study employs pláticas, a Chicana/Latina Feminist Methodology, to delve into the lived experiences of 24 Latinx teachers in CTSD. The findings highlight the dual pressures of overwork and racism, compounded by inadequate legislative support and economic challenges. Nonetheless, these educators exhibit remarkable resilience, leveraging their cultural knowledge to navigate and challenge these inequities. Findings have implications for school leaders and policymakers.

Authors

• Maria Del Carmen Unda, University of Texas at Austin

• Ana Carrasco, University of Texas at Austin

• Dora Diaz, University of Texas at Austin