Testimonios de los Unicornios: Learning from Latina Bilingual Education Teachers Testimonios in an Educator Preparation Program

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Testimonios de los Unicornios: Learning from Latina Bilingual Education Teachers Testimonios in an Educator Preparation Program
Language: English
Authors: Denise N. Lara (ORCID 0000-0002-9042-4610), Delia Carrizales, Zinab Muñoz
Source: Journal of Latinos and Education. 2025 24(4):999-1010.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 12
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Hispanic Americans, Minority Group Teachers, Bilingual Education, Teacher Education Programs, Preservice Teacher Education, Language Proficiency, Readiness, Barriers, Social Support Groups, Teacher Shortage, Minority Group Students, Bilingual Teachers
DOI: 10.1080/15348431.2024.2434546
ISSN: 1534-8431
1532-771X
Abstract: This study explores the experiences of bilingual education teachers ("los unicornios") while in their educator preparation program (EPP) to gain insight as to how to create more supportive structures and environments for bilingual education pre-service teachers. The themes that emerged from the participants' responses were concerns, types of support, and recommendations for bilingual education EPPs. The main concerns identified by the participants were regarding their English and Spanish language proficiency and their preparedness to meet the academic needs of students. In the face of challenges during their EPP experience, the participants were championed by caring mentor teachers, professors, clinical supervisors, family, and friends. This support was identified as the most impactful element to the bilingual education teachers' success. These champions of bilingual education pre-service teachers were essential in cultivating the systemic support necessary for successful completion of their EPP and teacher certification, and the eventual launching their careers as bilingual education teachers (unicornios).
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1488610
Database: ERIC
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Description
Abstract:This study explores the experiences of bilingual education teachers ("los unicornios") while in their educator preparation program (EPP) to gain insight as to how to create more supportive structures and environments for bilingual education pre-service teachers. The themes that emerged from the participants' responses were concerns, types of support, and recommendations for bilingual education EPPs. The main concerns identified by the participants were regarding their English and Spanish language proficiency and their preparedness to meet the academic needs of students. In the face of challenges during their EPP experience, the participants were championed by caring mentor teachers, professors, clinical supervisors, family, and friends. This support was identified as the most impactful element to the bilingual education teachers' success. These champions of bilingual education pre-service teachers were essential in cultivating the systemic support necessary for successful completion of their EPP and teacher certification, and the eventual launching their careers as bilingual education teachers (unicornios).
ISSN:1534-8431
1532-771X
DOI:10.1080/15348431.2024.2434546