1. Department of Child, Youth and Family Studies, University of Nebraska Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA;2. Department of Early Childhood Education, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
Abstract:
This qualitative study explores racial identity development of teacher candidates during a teacher preparation program dedicated to preparing teachers for diverse classrooms. Two black teacher candidates in the US demonstrate their racial identity development through critical reflections offered throughout the program. Findings suggest that teachers’ racial identities shaped their constructions of culturally relevant (CR) pedagogy. Implications for teacher education programs include considering how the development of CR pedagogues is influenced by teacher candidates’ racial identities and experiences.