Abstract
Three Black educators including one instructor, one preservice teacher, and one inservice educator, highlight their experiences participating in a study abroad program in Ghana. Each author shares their personal narrative as a Black educator in a predominantly white educational context in the U.S. Midwest participating in the Ghana study abroad program. For Authors 2 and 3, their first visit to the continent of Africa, reflecting on these experiences through the lens of (re)membering in education. We conclude with a discussion highlighting how these experiences inform and strengthen our collective efforts towards reimagining educational equity in our local community.
Author Biography
Amira Nash
Amira Nash is a doctoral candidate at the University of Iowa pursuing a PhD in Teaching and Learning in the Literacy, Culture, and Language Education program. Her research interests include Black immigrant youth, students identified as English Language Learners (ELL), educational justice, global education, recruitment and retention of educators of color, preservice teacher mentorship, and grow-your-own and student-to-teacher pathway programs. Endorsed in ELL, psychology, US history, and Spanish, Amira previously taught high school social studies and students identified as ELL.
Monique Cottman
Monique Cottman is an abolitionist educator, scholar-practitioner, and union leader working toward the liberation of Black people through education. A former elementary teacher in the Iowa City Community School District and current adjunct professor at the University of Iowa, she works to uplift Black educators and youth and to challenge the systems that constrain our freedom to thrive. Grounded in the knowledge that she stands on the shoulders of many giants, Monique sees her gifts and talents not as possessions, but as offerings given in service to Black liberation.
Corey Breiten
Corey Breiten is an aspiring educator at the University of Iowa where he is pursuing bachelor’s degrees in both Mathematics and Secondary Mathematics Education, as well as a K-12 English Language Learner (ELL) endorsement. Corey is preparing for a career in education that combines strong mathematical instruction with inclusive and culturally responsive teaching practices. After graduation, Corey plans to teach either in the US Midwest or back home in Virginia. He is excited to get in the classroom, build meaningful relationships with students, and create a learning environment where every student feels supported, valued, and capable of success.
Recommended Citation
Nash, A.,
Cottman, M.,
&
Breiten, C.
(2026).
(Re)writing the narrative: Study abroad in Ghana as a catalyst to (re)frame Black education.
Occasional Paper Series,
(56), 139-148.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.58295/2375-3668.1609
Included in
Educational Methods Commons, Higher Education Commons, International and Comparative Education Commons