White Double-Consciousness: A Critical Analysis of Discourse in Teacher Education

(Hardback)

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Despite the best intentions of teacher educators, diversity awareness in teacher education typically reproduces a racial hierarchy privileging Whiteness while also educating preservice teachers against this very hierarchy. The phenomenon, which is effortless and easily reproduced, is constructed in part through student self-expression, peer interaction, and instructional practices. This inquiry follows White undergraduate students in a state university through an academic semester in order to capture autobiographical reporting at the outset, asynchronous, peer-mediated, online discussions at the mid-term, and concludes with personal reflections on self-perceptions of growth. Using grounded theory, this phenomenological study examines participants relationships to White privilege in order to improve instructional practices in the teacher education classroom. The relationship between the private and public faces of participants is analogous to the micro-level and macro-level function of their words which is organized using a theoretical framework where critical pedagogy (micro-level) and critical race theory (macro-level) serve as interpretive lenses. These lenses provide a wide view of participants experiences in the course and increases what is known about the instructional experiences in teacher education. This inquiry suggests that the teacher education classroom is an ideal space to shift the focus from intellectualization to self-actualization. Teacher educators can provide opportunities where students insights help dissolve the barrier between the real world and the classroom. A sense of pedagogical wholeness that includes ones self is needed in order for preservice teachers to become antiracist educators who will provide the appropriate environment and support their future students will need.

Reviews

In the coming decade, our most novice teacher colleagues will face challenges that previous generations never even considered. Dr. Siders White Double-Consciousness provides a framework for teacher educators and new teachers to contemplate diversity, in all its forms, and how our ways of knowing directly influence our students learning. Conversations surrounding Dr. Siders work will be uncomfortable, at times even contentious, and are absolutely necessary. -- Catherine Snyder, Clarkson University
Addressing educational outcome and opportunity disparities for youth of color requires teachers to confront their own beliefs and experiences. This book tackles the topic of white privilege in teacher preparation through rich narrative accounts from the perspective a teacher educator. Siders engaging narratives are complemented by findings from his research working with preservice teachers and offers teacher educators and researchers alike valuable insight into how to confront white privilege in teaching and research. -- Kristen C. Wilcox, University at Albany

Author Bio

Kenneth Sider, PhD, is adjunct lecturer and teaches undergraduate and graduate-level teacher education courses.