Decolonizing Anti-Racist Professional Development for PK-12 Educators: Centering Indigenous Peoples of the “Americas”

Author

Claudia A. Fox TreeFollow

Date of Award

Spring 3-19-2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

PHD - Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Education

First Advisor

Dr. Victoria Gill

Second Advisor

Dr. Rio López

Third Advisor

Dr. Kelvin Ramirez

Abstract

This study explored challenges non-Indigenous educators face in centering Indigenous histories

and experiences in anti-racist professional development (PD) workshops for PK-12 educators. It addressed the process of transforming anti-racist PD and the significance of learning from Native American community members. The invisibility of Indigenous Peoples extends beyond physical aspects tied to attempted genocide and includes the invisibility of the political rights of tribal citizens. It encompasses exclusion from historical conversations, anti-racism research, and statistical data. In contrast, the hypervisibility of stereotypical images and inaccurate information starkly contrasts the invisibility of authentic images and accurate resources. The Indigenous methodology of two-eye seeing is employed. It intertwines the author's personal experiences in decolonizing professional development through testimonio while complementing the research data. Narrative interviews, conducted through criterion sampling, involved seven non-Indigenous educators actively engaged in decolonizing efforts. With an average teaching experience of 19.8 years (range: 7 to 43) and an average decolonizing commitment of 11.1 years (range: 3 to 43), participants included five white women and two of color identifying as Black. Following analysis, 2 Indigenous focus groups provided feedback on eight identified strategies, leading to developing 20 Steps for Decolonizing Anti-Racism PD. This research informs educational practices, contributes to anti-racist initiatives, and promotes a more inclusive and respectful approach to Indigenous knowledge within the educator professional development setting.

Comments

This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

Language

English

Number of Pages

247

Embargo Period

5-16-2024

Recommended Citation

Fox Tree, Claudia A., "Decolonizing Anti-Racist Professional Development for PK-12 Educators: Centering Indigenous Peoples of the “Americas”" (2024). Educational Studies Dissertations. 220.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/education_dissertations/220