Pláticas with Latinx preservice teachers: insights about navigating teacher education in the New Latinx South

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the experiences of Latinx preservice teachers (PSTs) while enrolled in a teacher preparation program in the New Latinx South, a cluster of states that have seen a precipitous growth in the Latinx population over the last decades.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used pláticas, or informal conversations with a group of six female Latinx PSTs.

Findings

Two main themes were identified: experiences with racism and discrimination and feelings of isolation. These themes, along with the narratives of the participants, reflect the barriers this population experiences in the education field and how professionals in this field can improve to best assist Latinx PSTs.

Originality/value

Latinx PSTs’ experiences are yet to be fully investigated to improve not only their schooling but also the number of Latinx teachers serving a growing number of Latinx children in US schools. Additionally, the use of pláticas elevates this paper as this is a method valued by the participants and used in their communities.

Citation

Rodriguez, S.C., Guerra Lombardi, P.P. and Galvez, E.S. (2023), "Pláticas with Latinx preservice teachers: insights about navigating teacher education in the New Latinx South", Journal for Multicultural Education, Vol. 17 No. 2, pp. 212-222. https://doi.org/10.1108/JME-07-2022-0085