Aspiring teachers are more likely to mistake emotions for anger in the face of a black person than a white person, according to a new studypublished in the journal "Contemporary Education." It also found that participants were more likely to view the behavior of black boys as hostile.The study’s lead author, N.C. State University Psychology Professor Amy Halberstadt, said most Americans carry an implicit, unconscious racial bias, which can have unintended impact on students of color.
“If we are pre-judging people as being angry, we may not want to engage with them,” Halberstadt said. “Certainly in the schools, that can be a problem because teachers can perceive hostility or anger in children where it doesn't exist, and they can experience more disciplinary results, such as suspensions and expulsions.”
Data from the U.S. Department of Education shows that black students are suspended and expelled more frequently than their white peers.
Halberstadt said those who hope to become teachers should be aware of their unconscious racial bias and think twice before reacting.
“‘Maybe I need to check in. Is this person or is this child having this emotion? Should I check to make sure that I'm fully understanding what this person is feeling?' And I think that would help conversations, it would help communication. It would help us connect with one another so much more successfully.”
Most of the 40 prospective teachers in Halberstadt's sample were white, as are most people training to become teachers in North Carolina. Halberstadt said she has received more funding to expand her research.