Critical Literacy (CL) is a teaching strategy that is designed to promote critical consciousness and enact social justice change as learning occurs. Critical literacy can promote and included in teacher education programs as a tool to increase Pre-Service Teachers (PST) Culturally Responsive Teaching Self-Efficacy (CRTSE). The researcher examined the impact of implementing CL instruction as an invention in teacher education programs to study their self-efficacy in culturally responsive teaching in this mixed methods study. The participants (n=90) reported a statistically significant in CRTSE, along with an increased understanding of terms and frameworks of CRT and CL as well as increased individual critical consciousness. Results also showed that participants viewed authentic application of the examination of CL and CRT in lesson plans as a viable strategy to increase CRTSE. The study results indicate that addressing CRT in teacher education programs through explicit strategy instruction increases CRTSE. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]