Culturally Responsive Schooling during COVID-19: A Study of Six Elementary Level Educators’ Reality

Abstract

This case study documents the experiences and efforts of six K–5 teachers from the Midwest region of the United States to adjust instruction and establish meaningful and productive online learning environments during the pandemic. Two themes emerged from the data reflecting teachers’ perceptions about the quality of instruction and insufficiency of social emotional supports provided to students. We argue for instructional paradigms that address learners’ social emotional needs effectively and equitably in online instruction.

Keywords:

• COVID-19
• culturally responsive schooling
• elementary teachers
• social emotional learning
• social justice
• qualitative research