Transformative knowledge: ethnic studies as a pathway to healing for Latino boys

The following project presented is an examination of the types of teaching pedagogies that teachers utilize within and outside of their classrooms that is most effective for students of color, particularly "at risk" Latino boys. Through teacher narratives, I demonstrate how love, family and trust are essential in creating an environment that nurtures growth and cultivates knowledge. While traditional norms of teaching keep "at risk" students of color in the margins, the educators in this project strive to rid their classrooms of stereotypes and norms that undermine their students' ability to be anything but great academics. Centering love, family and trust in their teaching, the educators provide an environment that utilizes education as a form of healing and liberation.