Natasha Murray Everett (left) and Tiffany Mitchell Patterson (right). (WVU Photo)
Tiffany Mitchell Patterson and Natasha Murray-Everett, West Virginia University professors who train and prepare future social studies educators at both the elementary and secondary levels, contend students are not exposed to diverse histories. February is Black History Month, and in social studies classrooms throughout the United States, it may be the only time of the year when students are introduced to the topic. Mitchell Patterson and Murray-Everett from the College of Education and Human Services hope to change that.
Quotes and comments:
“If we’re really moving toward anti-racist, anti-biased curriculum, then we have to make these histories a part of the natural fabric of education. When students only hear about these histories during designated months, it seems as though these stories aren’t a thread throughout American history, or that these lives aren’t really embedded in our society.” -Tiffany Mitchell Patterson, assistant professor of secondary social studies in the Department of Curriculum & Instruction/Literacy Studies at West Virginia University
“Most students only have a basic and superficial understanding of key moments in Black history. Educators will typically focus on the same individuals and events over and over again. I want students to see the resiliency of the communities, but Black history is often taught with a focus on slavery or the civil rights area.” -Natasha Murray-Everett, assistant professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction/Literacy Studies at West Virginia University
Read more about their research, expertise and suggested classroom materials for educators.
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-WVU-
cw/02/21/20
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