Teacher preparation through introducing Hateful Things: Using Jim Crow memorabilia to address issues of social justice

Abstract

It is important to prepare middle level teacher candidates with the dispositions, content knowledge, and pedagogy needed to implement justice-oriented practices in middle level curriculum. This article explores using Hateful Things, a traveling exhibit curated by the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia, to integrate issues of stereotypes, biases, and racism into middle grades curriculum. Specific lessons, strategies and resources for integrating the history of the Jim Crow era, stereotypes, and American racism in middle level English Language Arts curriculum are provided.

Keywords:

• middle level teacher education
• racism
• social justice and equity education

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Joseph Flynn

Joseph Flynn, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Northern Illinois University. E-mail: [email protected].

Elizabeth Kahn

Elizabeth Kahn, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of English at Northern Illinois University. E-mail: [email protected]

Donna E. Werderich

Donna E. Werderich, Ed.D., is a Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Northern Illinois University. E-mail: [email protected]