Crafting Culturally Efficacious Teacher Preparation and Pedagogies

Crafting Culturally Efficacious Pedagogies and Practices is based on cultural efficaciousness derived from the work of the nationally recognized Academy for Teacher Excellence at The University of Texas at San Antonio. The book is grounded in a research-based model, situated within the needs of the school-local community, and based on collaborative partnerships. Given the under-representation of ethnic/racial minority teachers, to accomplish social justice, all teachers must become culturally efficacious. In this book, authors provide an overview of the culturally efficacious evolution model used to anchor teacher preparation and present the culturally efficacious observation protocol as a tool to assess teachers’ development. The authors present four exemplar case studies of culturally efficacious teachers who have a strong identity, a positive teaching cultural efficacy, are critical reflective thinkers, and believe that they can make difference in minority students’ lives. As culturally efficacious teachers, these educators are also committed to social justice and equitable education. Cross-case findings reveal that the critical teacher development model serves as a culturally sustainable pedagogy that effectively prepares teachers in the field.

Flores, Claeys, and Gist could have simply offered a report of the fine work of their highly acclaimed Accelerated Teacher Education program. By building on, and extending research and practice in culturally relevant and sustaining pedagogies, they have done much more. The authors make a compelling case for culturally efficacious teaching, highlighting the importance of teacher critical self-understanding in relation to the children they teach and to their students’ communities. The book, and its wonderful case studies, offer an important addition to teacher education and professional development programs., This book presents the journey of four teachers who exemplify what it means to be a culturally efficacious educator. Through rich descriptions of each educator’s teaching context, the message the reader takes away is that we must view students’ linguistic and cultural backgrounds as intellectual resources to advance the education of all students., The authors of this text offer rare insights into the perspectives, decisions, and pedagogical actions of teachers of color who are enabling and instructing students of color in effective and culturally responsive ways. In particular, the text illustrates how efficacious educators respect students’ cultures, languages, and challenges while modeling self-worth, comprehensibility, and accountability to high standards for teaching and learning. This text is timely and contributes to current conversations on the recruitment and retention of teachers of color.

Belinda Bustos Flores is professor and associate dean for professor preparation, assessment, and accreditation at University of Texas at San AntonioLorena Claeysis is executive director and research associate of the Academy for Teacher Excellence College of Education at the University of Texas at San AntonioConra D. Gist is assistant professor of childhood education at University of Arkansas