Keywords

Teach for America, Cultural Knowledge, Equity, Multicultural Education, Pre-service Teachers

Abstract

This literature review examines the research on the development of “cultural knowledge” for preservice teachers in Teach for America program. “Cultural knowledge” refers to a teacher’s awareness of the sociopolitical contexts of education and the development of critical consciousness about issues of educational equity. After a brief introduction to the organizational structure of TFA, I will discuss some of the recent research on the organization-- much of which has focused on achievement, teacher preparation, and the public policy implications of the program. Then, I will examine themes in the research on the cultural knowledge of preservice teachers’ in traditional preparation programs, which I will contrast with an overview of the literature TFA’s evolving diversity training. Finally, I will consider possible avenues for research on the cultural knowledge of TFA teachers and discuss programmatic changes that will prepare corps members with the cultural competence necessary to work in communities of color.

Original Publication Citation

Bybee, E. R. (2013). An issue of equity: Assessing the cultural knowledge of pre- service teachers in Teach for American. Critical Education, 4(13), 28-44. Retrieved from http://ojs.library.ubc.ca/index.php/criticaled/article/view/183949