Latina bilingual education teachers' struggles in predominantly white public schools

What is it about?

In response to the increasing number of Spanish-speaking students at public schools, Spanish-speaking teachers are in demand. In regards to this high demand, how are Latina/o bilingual education teachers treated at school? Using critical race theory’s counterstories, this study investigated the working conditions of two Latina bilingual teachers.

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Why is it important?

The participants’ stories reveal that the schools found the participants’ language skills to be both financially and instructionally beneficial. However, the participants experienced heavy workloads, which did not offer them the time and opportunity to develop stronger professional networks at school. They began to feel isolated and marginalized from their colleagues. Although eagerly hired by their respective school administrators, it seems that the participants were systematically exploited by the schools they worked for.