Toward a Healthy Racial Climate: Systemically Centering the Well-being of Teacher Candidates of Color. (January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kohli, Rita; Dover, Alison G.; Jayakumar, Uma Mazyck; Lee, Darlene; Henning, Nick; Comeaux, Eddie; Nevárez, Arturo; Hipolito, Emma; Carreno Cortez, Andrea; Vizcarra, Margarita
• Is Part Of: Journal of teacher education. Volume 73:Number 1(2022)
• Page Start: 52
• Page End: 65
• Publication Date: 2022-01
• Subjects: diversity -- equity -- racial climate -- teacher education preparation -- teachers of Color; Teachers -- Training of -- Periodicals; 370.71105
• DOI: 10.1177/00224871211051980
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-4871

Abstract

For decades, research has shown the pervasive racism of teacher education and its harmful impact on teacher candidates of Color. In this conceptual article, we argue that teacher education programs must interrogate how racism is embedded structurally through policies and practices that guide the various facets of the institution. We build from higher education scholarship on racial climate and "health" and teacher education research on race and racism to explore how multiple dimensions of a teacher education program (historical, organizational, compositional, behavioral, and psychological) accumulate and shape the experiences and well-being of teacher candidates of Color. We offer a model to assist teacher education scholars, administrators, and practitioners to reflect upon their current structures as they strive for a healthy racial climate responsive to the experiences and needs of a diverse teaching force.