The professional development of becoming teachers involves in-depth understanding of social contexts and identities (e.g., race, gender, class, sexuality, ability, etc.), power systems (e.g., white supremacy, whiteness, patriarchy, capitalism, hetero-aggression, able-bodiedness, etc.), and complex social and educational foundations, philosophies, and theories (e.g., Critical Race Theory, Critical Whiteness Studies, Queer Theory, DisCrit, Black Feminism, etc.) that are not often easy to talk about in public, let alone learn about academically and professionally. This intense 1-credit course dives deep into how social systems of power impact teacher education and teachers. Students come away from this course having an introductory understanding of the complex nature of race, gender, class, ability, language, and sexuality that influence diverse learners. Students will also learn theories, strategies, and context for developing a socially just teacher identity.

The professional development of becoming teachers involves in-depth understanding of social contexts and identities (e.g., race, gender, class, sexuality, ability, etc.), power systems (e.g., white supremacy, whiteness, patriarchy, capitalism, hetero-aggression, able-bodiedness, etc.), and complex social and educational foundations, philosophies, and theories (e.g., Critical Race Theory, Critical Whiteness Studies, Queer Theory, DisCrit, Black Feminism, etc.) that are not often easy to talk about in public, let alone learn about academically and professionally. This intense 1-credit course dives deep into how social systems of power impact teacher education and teachers. Students come away from this course having an introductory understanding of the complex nature of race, gender, class, ability, language, and sexuality that influence diverse learners. Students will also learn theories, strategies, and context for developing a socially just teacher identity.