Successful White Female Teachers of Mexican American Students of Low Socioeconomic Status

Abstract

This research project is a qualitative study of 4 White female elementary school teachers working in an urban school district populated by primarily Mexican American students. The data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and documents. This study examines the perceptions, beliefs, and life experiences of White female teachers and the practices they bring to their classrooms. An important component of this study is an attempt to understand not only pedagogy but also how White, middle-class, female teachers have come to see their role in social justice as it relates to equity and excellence for all children.

Key words:

• teacher perceptions
• cultural relevancy
• deficit thinking
• standardized testing
• social justice