Three worlds pitfall? A transfronteriza Latina bilingual teacher leveraging literacy to navigate, home, school, and university divides

Abstract

Given the high attrition rate of teachers of color in the United States, this study employs testimonio to explore one Latinx bilingual teacher's literacy and literacy teaching experiences. We wanted to know what motivated her at the start of her career, what led to burnout, and what kept her going. We interrogate the “two-worlds pitfall,” arguing that a third “world” – of the home language and culture – is meaningful and supportive for Latinx bilingual teachers. Based on this, we advocate for teacher preparation programs that bridge gaps between pre-service university experiences, classroom teaching, and cultural/linguistic wealth in the home and community.