Manteniendo la Chispa: Testimonios of Latina Veteran Urban Teachers

Manteniendo la Chispa: Testimonios of Latina Veteran Urban Teachers

Faculty Advisor

Magaly Lavadenz, Ph.D.

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Abstract

As the student population in United States public schools continues to become more diverse with an increase of students of color and from low socioeconomic backgrounds, it is critical that the opportunity gaps in our education system are addressed to provide an equitable education for urban youth. To mitigate these gaps, there is a need for experienced urban teachers, but urban schools have higher teacher turnover rates and more novice teachers. There is also a need for more teachers of color, who demonstrate positive impacts on students of color. However, the retention rate amongst teachers of color is lower than that of white teachers. This phenomenological qualitative research study explored the personal and professional factors that sustain Latina veteran urban teachers in a predominantly Latino school district. Data was collected through a survey, instructional documents, and semi structured interviews to produce individual testimonios of each participant’s history as a Latina veteran urban teacher and a cross-case analysis of the six participants’ shared experiences. The findings demonstrated that Latina veteran urban teachers were sustained by a strong personal commitment to serving urban students, a dedication to continuous professional growth, and the support from their personal and professional networks. These findings can inform teacher preparation programs and school systems on how to prepare and sustain Latina teachers for long-term careers in urban education.

Publication Date

5-5-2021

Disciplines

Education

Manteniendo la Chispa: Testimonios of Latina Veteran Urban Teachers

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