Challenging Majoritarian Tales: Portraits of Bilingual Teachers Deconstructing Deficit Views of Bilingual Learners

Abstract

This article argues that teacher-education programs often promote surface conceptions of inclusivity that limit preservice teachers' ability to understand and build upon the lived experiences of culturally and linguistically diverse youth. Conventional wisdom implies that teachers of color are native informants of these lived experiences; however, teacher educators should create opportunities for all teacher candidates to challenge prevalent myths about communities of color. Using critical race theory (CRT) and Latino critical race theory (LatCrit) the authors discuss a framework whereby teacher educators invite their students to construct counterstories through practices such as eliciting autonarratives, providing opportunities for reflective writing assignments, and coaching for equity.