Journal of Education and Human Development

Cultural Immersion for Teacher Educators: Stimulus for Growth
Amy E. McBride, Ph.D.

Abstract
If future teachers are to be agents of change for a more just and loving world, teacher educators need to bring their hearts as well as their minds to the process of facilitating cultural competence. Pre-service teachers and teacher educators traveled to the islands of Trinidad and Tobago for a two-week home stay. The focus of the experience was the development of the pre-service teachers and their cultural competence. Following the immersion experience, the faculty participants were surprised to discover their personal and professional journeys were also significantly enhanced. The four teacher educators, two white and two black, respond to common prompts and their responses are analyzed in terms of racial identity development. This self-study examines the potential of cultural immersion as an impetus for personal and professional growth.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jehd.v8n3a2