Institutional racism and anti-racism in teacher education: perspectives of teacher educators

Abstract

This paper focuses on the issue of institutional racism in the Irish education system. Drawing on insights from Critical Race Theory, the views of a sample of teacher educators in the Republic of Ireland were sought in relation to the existence of institutional racism in the Irish post-primary system and the extent to which anti-racism permeates teacher education programmes. Findings suggest the need for a form of deep engagement with anti-racism issues in the education of student teachers and the difficulties of doing so in the current structure of the Postgraduate Diploma in Education.

Keywords:

• institutional racism
• teacher education
• Critical Race Theory (CRT)

Notes

1. At the time the research was carried out what is now known as the Postgraduate Diploma in Education was called the Higher Diploma in Education.

2. The Teaching Council is a self-regulating professional body. One of the main functions of the Council is to develop codes of professional conduct and practice which include teaching knowledge, skill and competence.

3. Adapted by the author from Brandt (1986), Troyna and Williams (1986) and National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism (NCCRI 2001).