Antiracist Teacher Education: Theory and Practice

The edited book "Antiracist Teacher Education: Critical Dialogue and Reflection" addresses theories, issues, complexities, and challenges of antiracist teacher education, providing critical ideas and theory/research-informed practices for preparing antiracist teachers. It is intended for teacher educators, administrators, and policy makers leading teacher education programs.

Format: Hardback
Length: 164 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2022
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

This edited book, sponsored by the ATE Diversity Committee, aims to engage teacher educators in critical dialogue and reflection around theories, issues, complexities, and challenges of antiracist teacher education. It is intended for teacher educators in all disciplinary areas and at all levels, as well as administrators and policy makers leading teacher education programs at national or state levels. In light of the recent racial injustice and tension witnessed and experienced in the country, achieving racial justice has become a top priority in numerous conversations in schools, the workplace, and communities. This book is a direct response to this call and is timely and much needed.

The book explores various aspects of antiracist teacher education, including the historical roots of racism in education, the impact of racism on students and teachers, and the strategies and practices that can be used to promote antiracist teaching and learning. It also highlights the importance of teacher educators' own racial identities and experiences in shaping their teaching practices and the need for them to engage in ongoing self-reflection and professional development to address their own biases and assumptions.

One of the key themes of the book is the importance of culturally responsive teaching. Culturally responsive teaching recognizes the unique cultural backgrounds and experiences of students and incorporates these into the curriculum and teaching practices. It involves creating a safe and inclusive learning environment that values and respects all students, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or other characteristics.

The book also discusses the role of teacher education programs in preparing teachers to work with diverse students and communities. It highlights the need for teacher education programs to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the history of racism, the impact of racism on education, and the strategies and practices that can be used to promote antiracist teaching and learning. It also emphasizes the importance of providing students with opportunities to engage in hands-on learning experiences and to work with diverse students and communities in real-world settings.

In addition to the theoretical and practical aspects of antiracist teacher education, the book also includes case studies and examples of successful antiracist teaching practices. These case studies provide insights into the challenges and successes of teachers who have worked to promote antiracist teaching and learning in their classrooms. They also highlight the importance of teacher educators' role in supporting and mentoring these teachers.

One of the challenges that teacher educators face in promoting antiracist teaching and learning is the lack of diversity in the teaching profession. Many teacher education programs are dominated by white teachers, and this can lead to a lack of understanding and appreciation of the experiences of students from diverse backgrounds. This can also lead to the perpetuation of racist stereotypes and biases.

To address this challenge, the book suggests a number of strategies and practices. These include increasing the diversity of the teaching profession, providing training and support for teachers to work with diverse students and communities, and creating a more inclusive learning environment.

The book also highlights the importance of teacher educators' own racial identities and experiences in shaping their teaching practices. It suggests that teacher educators should be aware of their own biases and assumptions and should work to address them. This can involve engaging in self-reflection, seeking feedback from students and colleagues, and participating in professional development programs that focus on antiracist teaching and learning.

In conclusion, this edited book is a timely and much needed response to the urgent need for teacher educators to support the cause of racial justice. It explores various aspects of antiracist teacher education, including the historical roots of racism in education, the impact of racism on students and teachers, and the strategies and practices that can be used to promote antiracist teaching and learning. It also highlights the importance of teacher educators' own racial identities and experiences in shaping their teaching practices and the need for them to engage in ongoing self-reflection and professional development to address their own biases and assumptions. By providing teacher educators with the knowledge and skills they need to promote antiracist teaching and learning, we can work towards achieving racial justice in our schools and communities.

Weight: 395g
Dimension: 236 x 158 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781475865561