Flores, Claeys, and Gist could have simply offered a report of the fine work of their highly acclaimed Accelerated Teacher Education program. By building on, and extending research and practice in culturally relevant and sustaining pedagogies, they have done much more. The authors make a compelling case for culturally efficacious teaching, highlighting the importance of teacher critical self-understanding in relation to the children they teach and to their students’ communities. The book, and its wonderful case studies, offer an important addition to teacher education and professional development programs.

Kimberley Gomez, University of California, Los Angeles

This book presents the journey of four teachers who exemplify what it means to be a culturally efficacious educator. Through rich descriptions of each educator’s teaching context, the message the reader takes away is that we must view students’ linguistic and cultural backgrounds as intellectual resources to advance the education of all students.

Sylvia Celedón-Pattichis, University of New Mexico

The authors of this text offer rare insights into the perspectives, decisions, and pedagogical actions of teachers of color who are enabling and instructing students of color in effective and culturally responsive ways. In particular, the text illustrates how efficacious educators respect students’ cultures, languages, and challenges while modeling self-worth, comprehensibility, and accountability to high standards for teaching and learning. This text is timely and contributes to current conversations on the recruitment and retention of teachers of color.

Socorro Herrera, Kansas State University