Abstract
This chapter focuses on more accurate and in-depth analyses of immigration in relation to individual identity factors as a way to better understand the specific role of race in broader relations of power within English language teaching. Using data from a narrative case study to account for various positionalities, this chapter proposes a general framework for English language teacher education that draws on aspects of social movement theory to analyze contextual factors of immigration, such as migration channels, settlement in urban/rural localities and human capital, and transnationalism. By incorporating specific aspects of social movement theory, an intersectional approach to ELT education holds promise of preparing teachers to identify racism, power, and gaps in support for their multilingual students.
TopEnglish Learners In The United States
The focus on English learners (ELs) in the context of this chapter is on first or second-generation immigrants. First-generation meaning a person born in a country outside of the U.S. with at least one parent also born in another country, while second-generation refers to any person born in the U.S. with at least one parent born outside of the U.S. (MPI, 2023). I use the term English Learner (EL) to refer to non-native English speakers who are learning English in K-12 schools (Peregoy & Boyle, 2017). Between 2010 and 2019, the EL population grew from approximately 4.5 million students (9.2%) to approximately 5.1 million students (10.4%). This slow growth follows the decline in illegal immigration and refugee resettlement outlined in the section above. It is also important to note that this growth varied significantly depending on the location of settlement. For example, the percentage of students who were ELs was higher for school districts in more urbanized locations with 14.8% in cities, 10% in suburban areas, 7% in towns, and 4.4% in rural areas (National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 2023).
Key Terms in this Chapter
Race: A socially constructed concept in the United States that categorizes people based on their skin color.
Identity: They way one perceives themselves in terms of race, ethnicity, culture, language, gender, sexual orientation, religion, physical ability, and other affinity groups in relation to society.
Positionality: One’s social standing/status in relation to other people within a given context.
Social Movement Theory: Theoretical frameworks that identify key factors about the movement of migrant populations from one country to another.
Immigration: The movement of people/groups from one country to another because of political, economic, or social forces.
English Language Teacher Education: Teachers of multilingual students learning English.