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Kimberly Spence, Ed.D., is a 2024 graduate of the Ed.D. program in Educational and Professional Practice at Antioch University.
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Kimberly Spence after her Dissertation Defense.
From L-R: Dr. Kimberly Spence, Dr. Richard Kahn, Dr. Lesley Jackson.
Dissertation Committee:
Lesley Jackson, PhD, Committee Chair
Emiliano Gonzalez, PhD, Committee Member
Heidi Oliver-O’Gilvie, PhD, Committee Member
Keywords
equity, antiracist education, critical whiteness, professional learning, professional development, backward design, K-12 schooling, transformative leadership
Document Type
Dissertation
Publication Date
2024
Abstract
This dissertation presents research pertaining to how classroom teachers can become more effective in teaching their students of color. Through an examination of literature pertaining to critical whiteness studies, critical pedagogy, antiracist education, and transformative leadership, a professional learning program has been designed to offer space for educators to recognize their roles within the school system pertaining to whiteness ideologies and racist policies and practices. Backward design and Understanding by Design were applied to develop a professional learning program and allows for flexibility in the learning process. It is the goal that this program be delivered for the participants to critically reflect on their current teaching practices and how they may be unintentionally harming their students of color. Furthermore, the professional learning program will offer opportunities for implementation of new learning that will lead to changes in instructional practices that create equitable learning experiences for all students. Included in the program design is formative assessment as well as impact assessment questions to determine the merit and worth of the program. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohio.link.edu).
Recommended Citation
Spence, K. (2024). Recognizing Whiteness & Dismantling Racism in Schools: Developing a Professional Learning Series to Prepare a Predominantly White Teaching Force to Teach and Reach Students of Color. https://aura.antioch.edu/etds/1040
Comments
Dr. Kimberly Spence
ORCID: 0009-0008-9670-8834
Bio:
Kimberly Spence, EdD, has taught in a large public school system for over twenty years. As a teacher, department chair, leader in professional learning and lifelong learner, she has focused on the importance of collaboration in the classroom, kinesthetic learning and antiracist education. Through her leadership within her school district she has facilitated and led several equity-centered workshops, intentional learning communities and professional development opportunities. In order to ensure diverse perspectives and build critical consciousness within the World Language curriculum of her district, Dr. Spence created lessons to enhance the learner experience within the existing units. She will continue her work as an antiracist teacher leader through the delivery of her professional learning series, EmpowerED, in order to offer a transformative experience that empowers educators to refine their practice, reshape their pedagogy and actively contribute to the reform of the educational system.
Publications:
Hogan, J. & Spence, K, (2019). 23 activities to liven your world language classroom. Teacher’s Discovery.
Spence, K. (2024). Recognizing whiteness and dismantling racism in schools: Developing a professional learning series to prepare a predominantly white teaching force to teach and reach students of color. [Doctoral dissertation, Antioch University]