by Melissa Colón

 

 

As mentioned in the previous sections, the learning guides in this book provide a small glimpse at the array of diverse Latine educational experiences…and countless more exist. This is why I position these resource guides as invitations for exploration, because there is always more to learn.  If you’re interested in collaborating with us to develop a guide on a topic or group that resonates with you, and if you are interested in sharing what you have learned with others, we’d love to hear from you! Please reach out by completing the form below. If you’re not quite ready to make that commitment but feel your curiosity continues pulling at your heartstrings, below I include some additional steps educators can take to further expand their knowledge.

Start Locally

First, the best way to understand Latine communities is to connect with the people, organizations, and resources in your area. Community-based organizations, local libraries, churches, sports teams, and even local small businesses will offer valuable insights into the experiences, needs, and strengths of Latine students and their families in your community. Building relationships with local leaders and attending community events can also provide firsthand knowledge and foster meaningful connections. Approach learning from community members, especially parents, by entering these spaces as learners, not as an expert, understanding that all communities espouse a host of cultural wealth that can be harnessed to support the educational lives of students. Be respectful, present, and embody an ethic of cultural humility. Educators who embody this ethic recognize the importance of self-reflection, lifelong learning, and the critical need to understand how historical and systemic inequalities impact different communities. They are also mindful of power imbalances and work to center the voices of community members rather than speaking for them.  Engaging with people and communities with openness, respect, and a willingness to learn will help educators not only better understand the lives of their students but it can also contribute to the development of more connected and cohesive communities.

Research and Teaching Institutions

There are many universities and research centers across the country that regularly produce research on the Latino experience in the United States.  Some of these centers focus on particular populations (i.e., CUNY Dominican Studies Institute, Center for Mexican American Studies at UT Austin) or region, while other research is broader in scope.  These centers and think tanks offer an array of free, high-quality resources, including publications, infographics, films, and even curricular materials.  While most of the resources are in English, many offer publications in Spanish and Portuguese.  Below, I include information on some of the research centers for further exploration.  This is just a sampling of the amazing resources that can help educators and students deepen their understanding of Latine communities in the US. Engaging with this research helps educators develop a well-rounded understanding of the strengths, challenges, and contributions of Latine communities.

Explore the Data

Since the late 1990s, education reform efforts have led to the development of many open-access data resources that provide important information about Latine communities at the local, state, and national levels. Publicly available data from your school district, for example, can also provide information on enrollment and outcomes trends at the local level can help guide teaching and learning strategies.  If you love exploring numbers, there are a couple of databases that are easily accessible:

National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)

Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC)

While exploring this data, it is always important to consider the socio-historical factors behind the numbers.  Putting the numbers in conversations with the lived experiences of students, families, educators, and community members can be particularly useful in developing community-based approaches to meeting the needs and enhancing the learning of Latine students.

Why it Matters

My work with educators, students, parents, and advocates has taught me that when educators take the time to learn about Latine communities, they are better equipped to create inclusive and supportive learning environments where excellence and rigor across multiple domains is possible.  By embracing a mindset of  “I have more to learn” or “I want to learn more about my students’ lives,” rather than “I know everything I need to know,”  teachers can better serve diverse students, support their success, and build authentic relationships with families and communities.  These stronger relationships will enhance teaching and learning, and improve student engagement and success while recognizing the rich contributions that Latine communities bring to schools and society. Now, more than ever, we need educators who are committed to ensuring that their students feel welcome and supported in school.

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