Culturally Responsive Language Arts Teaching: Refiguring Curriculum with Counternarratives

Authors

Claire A. Breiholz, Seton Catholic College PrepFollow
Rebecca Smith, University of PortlandFollow

Author Biographies

Claire Breiholz is a high school ELA teacher in Vancouver, Washington. She graduated with her BSSE in Secondary Education and English from the University of Portland where she was awarded the School of Education's Dean's Award. Claire aims to revitalize and diversify curriculum while reaching her students through her culturally responsive pedagogy.

Dr. Rebecca Smith teaches and learns from future teachers as an Assistant Professor in the School of Education at the University of Portland. After educating middle and high schoolers for several years, she earned her Ed.D. from the University of Portland and now teaches education methods and research courses.

Abstract

This paper offers culturally responsive teaching methods for secondary English Language Arts educators to reform curriculum to honor and integrate counternarratives. We provide a sample Herstory unit plan framework for teachers to use as a model for revisioning curriculum to better meet the needs of all students. We offer examples of both traditional canonical and contemporary texts teachers can use to teach counternarratives.

Recommended Citation

Breiholz, Claire A. and Smith, Rebecca (2021) "Culturally Responsive Language Arts Teaching: Refiguring Curriculum with Counternarratives," Language Arts Journal of Michigan: Vol. 36: Iss. 2, Article 4.
Available at: https://doi.org/10.9707/2168-149X.2289

Publication Date

7-1-2021