Home Linguistics & Semiotics Chapter 11 Dismantling weaponizing language in teacher preparation programs
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Chapter 11 Dismantling weaponizing language in teacher preparation programs

  • Juan A. Ríos Vega
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Abstract

Through personal anecdotes and lived experiences in the public school system in the U.S., the author critically discusses how the oppressive language commonly used in social contexts is also used in teacher education programs and textbooks to weaponize the education of students of color. In this chapter, the author argues that the language of weaponization in teacher education programs ill-prepares pre-service and in-service teachers while trying to understand students of color, especially English language learners (ELLs). As such, the author encourages teacher educators, pre- and in-service teachers, and school administrators to treat students of color as cultural and linguistic assets in the classroom. The chapter concludes with the author’s reflections on education as “an ethic of love.”

Abstract

Through personal anecdotes and lived experiences in the public school system in the U.S., the author critically discusses how the oppressive language commonly used in social contexts is also used in teacher education programs and textbooks to weaponize the education of students of color. In this chapter, the author argues that the language of weaponization in teacher education programs ill-prepares pre-service and in-service teachers while trying to understand students of color, especially English language learners (ELLs). As such, the author encourages teacher educators, pre- and in-service teachers, and school administrators to treat students of color as cultural and linguistic assets in the classroom. The chapter concludes with the author’s reflections on education as “an ethic of love.”

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