BLACK STUDENT TEACHERS' EXPERIENCES OF RACISM IN THE WHITE SCHOOL : strategies of resilience and... survival

This book investigates the racism experienced by Black teacher trainee Post-graduate students whilst on teaching placements in South London primary schools. Using critical race theory as an epistemological lens, the book goes on to explore their experiences in school via testimonies around the gaslighting they were subjected to. Chapters delve into how these students work to fit themselves into the schools white space at an emotional and psychological cost and addresses the questions these experiences raise for those in charge of PGCE courses and Initial Teacher Education. Veronica Poku is Head of MA Education: Culture, Language and Identity as well as a lecturer and researcher in the field of educational studies at Goldsmiths University of London, UK. With a particular interest in race, education, gender, culture and social justice, Veronicas research makes use of critical race theory and narrative inquiry when working with student teachers. Prologue Note on Terminology Bibliography Praise for Black Student Teachers’ Experiences of Racism in the White School Contents Abbreviations Chapter 1: Black Teacher, White System: Critical Race Theory and the Contours of Racism Black Students and Teacher Education Critical Race Theory Racism Whiteness and White supremacy White Privilege Contours of Racism What Was Happening in Schools? Government Drive to Change the Face of Teacher Training Bibliography Chapter 2: CRT and Narrative Inquiry: Storytelling and Tackling the ‘master narrative’ with Counter-Narratives Black Students and Teacher Education Critical Race Theory (CRT) Racism Whiteness and White Supremacy White Privilege Microaggressions: Symptoms of Whiteness Institutional Racism Institutional Policies: Acts of Interest Convergence? School Policies Bibliography Chapter 3: Storytelling: Legacy of the Griot(te) A Black Feminist Perspective on Teacher Education Bibliography Chapter 4: Managing a Black Identity in White Spaces or Strategies of ‘Becoming’ White Who Am I? Where Do I Fit In? Fitting In and ‘Acting White’ Fitting In and ‘Acting White’: Cultural Identity Misrecognition and Identity Misrecognition and Microaggressions Gravity of Whiteness and the Markers of a Cultural Identity Survival Strategies: Fictive Kinship and Withstanding the Gravity of Whiteness Bibliography Chapter 5: Why Does ITE Matter? What Has Been Learnt? Key Finding 1 Unconscious Bias and Emotional Work Key Finding 2 Minstrelsy, Wearing of Masks and De-centring Key Finding 3 Places of Sanctuary, Safe Spaces and Coping Strategies Bibliography Chapter 6: Discussion and Conclusion Introduction Epilogue: Sankofa Bibliography Chapter 7: Final Thoughts: More Things Change, More Things Stay the Same Contribution to Professional Practice and Implications Reflections and Adaptations Quo Vadis? Bibliography Bibliography Index