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Tapestries: Interwoven voices of local and global identities

Abstract

Using an interdisciplinary approach, this project examines how the American conception of white womanhood has informed and molded perceptions of what makes a “good” teacher. By examining historical and contemporary film-based discourses around white womanhood, it is clear that teaching has been transformed into another form of mothering, tying the teaching field to the white woman. This discursive connection is made seemingly permanent through the institutionalization of the white woman in the classroom. This paper will then begin to explore how this process has affected the larger educational system. Ultimately, this project hopes to encourage white women in education to reflect and understand how their choices fit into a larger discourse.

Author Biography

Sophie Nadler (she/her/hers) is a graduating senior at Macalester College from Piedmont, California. She is an Educational Studies and American Studies double major, with interests in youth and family programming, comprehensive sex education, and museum studies. She is unsure of what her future holds, but knows that as long as her wonderful family and friends continue to support, she will find happiness and success.

Comments

I would like to thank my dad for his stoic, steady support, my siblings for always keeping me grounded, and my friends for making her laugh and feel loved every single day.

This paper is dedicated to my mother, who was the whitest lady I've ever known.

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