ERIC Number: EJ1415988
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1066-5684
EISSN: EISSN-1547-3457
"Each Day I Find Ways to Fight for My Students": Black Science Teachers as Advocates and Abolitionists
Vanessa N. Louis; Natalie S. King
Equity & Excellence in Education, v56 n4 p608-621 2023
In this article, we highlight the experiences of two Black early-career science teachers who transitioned from their STEM professions into the classroom. This study explored factors that influenced their decisions to choose education and how being introduced to abolitionist teaching during the preparation process informed their roles as educators. Abolitionist teaching served as the theoretical lens to examine their pursuit of teaching as a career and the classroom practices that they employed. Data sources included two semi-structured interviews with each participant and artifacts from the teacher preparation program and their science classrooms. We lifted up the voices and experiences of teachers through narrative inquiry and, two major themes emerged from their stories. Findings revealed that the participants were inspired to serve as role models and positioned themselves as extended family members for Black and Brown children to realize their potential. Findings also highlighted the significance of centering abolitionist teaching in the science teacher preparation program to equip and position these teachers to resist marring practices within their schools. We argue that educational reform efforts must acknowledge the value that Black teachers bring to science classrooms and create retention initiatives that protect and support them.
Descriptors: Beginning Teachers, STEM Education, Science Teachers, African American Teachers, Fellowships, Teaching Methods, Social Justice, Advocacy, Achievement Gap, Racial Factors, Educational Experience, Secondary School Teachers, Teacher Motivation, Teacher Attitudes, Teacher Background
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Science Board (NSB) (NSF)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: 1852889