Leading for Equity in Residencies: The Critical Role of Self-Knowledge and Cultural Competence

Leading for Equity in Residencies: The Critical Role of Self-Knowledge and Cultural Competence explores how residency program leaders’ identities, cultural perspectives, and implicit biases influence the design and implementation of equitable teacher preparation programs. Drawing on research about cultural competence, the document emphasizes the importance of understanding different cultural values, ways of knowing, and approaches to problem-solving while engaging in critical self-reflection and courageous conversations about race and equity. It offers a practical framework of reflective exercises to help residency leaders examine their positionality, challenge systemic inequities, and translate personal awareness into meaningful organizational change that better supports diverse teacher residents and the communities they serve.