Looking within: implicit skin tone bias among teachers of color

Colorism is a salient aspect of race in the knowledge construction and preparation of teachers across the globe. This paper reports the findings of a study that investigated attitudes and experiences of colorism among preservice teachers of color, including their own levels of implicit skin tone bias, and implications for their teaching practice. The results revealed that family background greatly influenced participant understanding and attitudes towards colorism. The results also demonstrated similar experiences across racial groups, highlighting the cross cutting and intercultural nature of colorism. Lastly, intersectionality contributed to participants ability to critically explain how colorism manifests in teaching practices. Implications for policy and practice efforts are discussed.