Autoethnography as a catalyst for pedagogical change for special populations of students

Critically minded instructors are educators who strive to move beyond traditional modes of education to create opportunities for students to examine issues such as power, marginalization, and hegemony. These instructors use critical education to "break down barriers, to overcome obstacles, to open doors, minds, and possibilities. It aims at something deeper and richer than simply imbibing and accepting codes and conventions, acceding to whatever is before us" (Ayers, 2010, p. 185). Therefore, critically minded instructors desire to create inclusive classrooms. They realize the importance of fostering environments that encourage educational success for all students, not just students from majority groups.