Resisting subtractive language and literacy policies: Breaking the cycles of loss among bilingual preservice educators

Abstract

Literacy scholars have noted the importance of drawing upon all of one's linguistic resources and experiences to make sense of texts. However, literacy instruction is often shaped by restrictive and punitive policies that limit the learning experiences and opportunities offered to racialized bi/multilingual students from low-income communities. We illustrate this phenomenon through our experiences as former teachers of bilingual students and as teacher educators in Arizona and Texas, shedding light on the cycles of loss that such policies create and how this loss manifests among preservice teachers. We also reflect on the agency enacted by educators to heal their identities and develop transformative literacy practices.