Black Student Teachers' Experiences of Racism in the White School / Palgrave Studies in Race, Inequality and Social Justice in Education (PDF)

"Poku's book powerfully refutes the lie that racism is a thing of the past and that the education system provides a model success story for Black children and teachers alike. Based on in-depth research with Black trainee teachers, the study exposes the daily violence of racist assumptions, humiliations and exclusions that make up the everyday racism of contemporary schooling".

-David Gillborn, Emeritus Professor of Critical Race Studies, University of Birmingham, UK.

-Professor Heidi Safia Mirza UCL University of London, Author Race, Gender and Educational Desire

This book investigates the racism experienced byBlack teacher trainee Post-graduate students whilst on teaching placements in South London primary schools. Using critical race theory as an epistemological lens, the book goes on to explore their experiences in school via testimonies around the gaslighting they were subjected to. Chapters delve into how these students work to fit themselves into the school's white space at an emotional and psychological cost and addresses the questions these experiences raise for those in charge of PGCE courses and Initial Teacher Education.

Veronica Poku is Head of MA Education: Culture, Language and Identity as well as a lecturer and researcher in the field of educational studies at Goldsmiths University of London, UK. With a particular interest in race, education, gender, culture and social justice, Veronica's research makes use of critical race theory and narrative inquiry when working with student teachers.