Rethinking assumptions of demographic privilege: Diversity among White preservice teachers

Abstract

In this study, White preservice teachers engaged in a dialogue circle around issues of race and racism in the classroom. Evidence indicated a need to reevaluate and diversify the ways in which each participant embodied and enacted Whiteness. The participants are compared to generalizations of White preservice teachers found in the literature. Findings are presented in the form of racial development biographies co-written with the participants. Implications include being more specific and individual in the preparation of White preservice teachers and rethinking assumptions in the field of Multicultural Teacher Education.