African American Social Studies Teachers - 1587 Words

This study examines the life histories of three African American social studies teachers, focusing on the evolution and changes in their identities, perspectives, and attitudes related to their profession and instructional practice. In addition, the study addresses the significance of the teachers’ racialized experiences as African Americans and how these experiences influence their use of culturally relevant pedagogy to teach their African American students. Overview Disparities exist in educational opportunities given to minority students Lack of relevant instruction that addresses cultural and social needs of minority students Social studies curriculum designed to promote Eurocentric ideologies and instructional strategies To add†¦show more content†¦s on productive community and cultural practices Uses and extends indigenous language Reinforces community ties and encourages service to family, community, nation, race, and world Supports cultural continuity and critical consciousness Empowers students by presenting information that connects directly with the student Critical Race Theory Focuses on how race operates in schools and society—the effects of race on school practices, policies, structures, and teaching Suggests that inherent problems of the racial order and racial privilege have impeded the ability of â€Å"schools to function as tools of empowerment for racially marginalized students† Emancipatory Teaching: Incoporating the perspectives and histories of underrepresented cultures by addressing a myriad of issues, such as social justice, democratic citizenship, and racial and gender inequalities Counter storytelling: Challenges educational discourses and perspectives that focus solely on the experiences and beliefs of White teachers Life History Methodology Addresses development, knowledge, changes in teacher practice attributed to lived experiences Acknowledges that many factors contribute to the teaching process and require study within a greater social cultural, and historical context Emphasizes understanding of the relationship and the complex interaction between an individual’s life and context â€Å"Teachers’ lives outside schools, their latent identities and cultures, have an important impact on