Committed Pedagogy: Intersectionality in the Spanish Classroom

Representations of a nation's history work as a powerful tool to consolidate a collective identity and build trust in the nation. School textbooks are ideological products that disseminate official ideas about a collective past and heritage; their depictions have an impact on shared understandings of a nation's history. However, what is included and excluded from the official historical narrative is selective. Usually, Spanish educators have to use the materials established by the department. Unfortunately, it is very common to find in these books certain representations of Hispanic countries based on stereotypes. This presentation discusses notions of bell hooks -- namely her concepts on teaching for social justice and intersectionality -- and practical examples of textbooks to learn new ways to promote critical thinking of students and also educators. This has implications for classroom management, but also for curriculum design and education for social justice. This promotes cultural diversity and raising awareness of multicultural values. [For the full proceedings, see ED652228.]