February 27...Teacher Activism
Let's use this space to start a discussion about teacher activism. Now that you've read Stemhagen and Sober (#16 in Course Readings on blackboard) share a question or some thoughts that you have about teacher activism. Possible topics: Did you find anything out that you didn't know prior to reading the article? If you didn't know much about teacher activism, why do you think that is? How does teacher activism make your feel? How does this relate to other things that se have read/discussed?
Morgan H:
ReplyDeleteIs there any situation where a teacher activist could be refused a job for their opinions on social justice for teachers? In other words, could a school board not hire a teacher because their ideas are too progressive which creates a fear among employers?
So after reading your paper on teacher activism it opened my eyes to how important it really is. It gave so many great examples of organization and groups of teachers who are fighting for a change in their system and other systems such as talking about the protests and walkouts about teacher pay and how it increased the pay by 5% in West Virginia and it made me think about the walkout that they had in Richmond not long ago that resulted in the schools shutting down for the day due to not enough subs and so the teachers were all allowed to go if they wanted to. It made me question overall, why is teachers pay so low? i feel like we talk about teachers pay a lot but i've never really asked why. throughout reading it i learned a lot about different activist movements that i hadn't heard of though there was one thing that stuck out to me about The Chicago Teachers Federation was when you said "These teachers bridged class and race divisions, to create a strong infrastructure for the promotion of women's rights" i thought that showed a lot of empowerment and strength with those two women that started it. Teacher activist makes me feel excited to become a teacher because there are so many ways and movements to join to help change teaching for the better and you can even start your own if you find a reason and have people join and possibly get the movement going and having it actually affect the world of teaching. We talk a lot in class about teacher activism whether we use that term or not almost every class there is normally a teacher driven movement brought up and most if not all of our readings have been about a specific activist movement that either worked or is still being worked on today.
ReplyDeleteGoing off of the topic "If you didn't know much about teacher activism, why do you think that is?". Well for me its quite simple, I'm not one to look at the local news, I am not very involved in that kinda society where I'm constantly on the edge on what's going on in our world, while I should be... I am more focused on things that are concerning topics that will affect me now. While this will not affect me now I know it is in the future because... I mean I am majoring in education. But I recently just started taking classes involving teaching and education so now I am paying attention to that sort of stuff. This class mainly got me thinking about how and why I should pay attention to future education and the current education system. I think its interesting learning about teacher activism because the current climate in the United States public schools is pretty tense, and these changes that are happening are currently making teachers feel flustered and threatened in a way where it makes them feel like its impossible to teach now.
ReplyDeletebrittney
DeleteI did not know a great amount about teacher activism. I like how it was worded in the reading that in general we hear about dates and not really like the story or journey on why and how. I do feel like there is a lack of classes on educating teachers about where there may be flaws in our career path and where/what we can do to fight to better them. A class like this one should be required everywhere and a part two to follow as well. There is so much on the history of what a teacher should be and blah blah blah but times have changed and so many people have fought for schooling as a whole to change with the time. It was said teachers can be rewarded for staying within a set of norms and I think we should remember there can be far more reward in stepping outside of those norms. All is easier said than done.
ReplyDeleteI think I didn't know much on teacher activism because our system is set up in a way where they tell us what to do and that's what we have to stick with. They create a system where we should be obedient to their way of thinking and doing things like the article said that the first schools were made to teach people how to read but based on their religion and morals and the teachers had to agree with their views. Now we are more towards being free to express our opinions but the older generation might not be because of the way they were brought up to learn. I think teacher activism is great and necessary to see positive changes in our education system and that in everything we do, whether we are radical, passive, conservative, or liberal, we should respect and not judge others for their way of thinking and be proud of those that are willing to stand up to see change happen.
ReplyDeleteNaomi Debebe
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this I learned more about teacher activism because this was not something I knew too much on. I honestly did not know so many teachers were fighting for a change and was not too pleased with the system and this article really opened my eyes on this. So my question is do you think being free and being able to express the options that we have about this will last?
prior to reading this my knowledge on teacher activism was pretty nonexistent. something that stood out to me was the line "consider where it is that teachers learn about issues of equity. access, power, politics and oppression" because for me this class is the first time i am really hearing about all the obstacles and ethical/ moral debates internally and within your own school or classroom as well as publicly acclaimed issues and fights for reform in education. imagine what our education system would look like if every future teacher received the same, if not even more in-depth information about the power they poses, the reality of issues ahead and what we can do to be future activists and see the change we need to see.
ReplyDeleteRebecca Mendoza Vasquez
ReplyDeleteOne of the reasons I want to go into teaching is because I want to try and be involved in social issues. I didn’t fully realize until reading this just how much we can do inside and outside the classroom. I think it’s great that there are so many ways to be involved, whether it’s in your classroom or through social media.
Darryl
ReplyDeleteI recently read several other articles dealing with changes needed in the school system. This article has definitely tied everything that I recently ready
Together. Often times teachers feel like they have no say so and they are there to feel a specific role. After reading this article I now believe that teacher are the ones who are the front runners for that change needed. Activism allows for voices to be heard so change can begin to takes its course. I also liked how the article hit on social media.
Jieun
DeleteDarryl I agree with your idea that teachers are the front runners in the schools. This article led me to think about an ongoing movement in the education field redfored where educators are fighting to get the necessary resources we need in the schools. I wrote my UNIV 200 paper on this movement but prior to that I had no knowledge of teacher activism my research for that essay and this article made me realize how passionate our teachers our. Teachers deserve more recognition especially since education is something that makes a difference in our lives.
Prior to reading this paper, I did not know much about teacher activism. What I like the most about teacher activism is that teacher can also be activists inside their classroom. Knowing that teachers are willing to fight against existing inequalities makes me feel empowered. It makes me believe that there will be a major change in our education system.
ReplyDeleteMy question is: why do you think there are considerable obstacles to teachers recognizing their potential power as activists?
Erin
ReplyDeleteI like the idea about teacher activism in the classroom, but my question is how much freedom do you have in the classroom? What do you do if your school doesn't want that in the classrooms? Can you get fired for bringing up social issues in the classroom?
What makes someone a strong and effective leader or activist?
ReplyDeleteI think this article further clarified prior ideas I had regarding teacher activism. I may not have known the specifics, but I think this article helped me better understand the nuances. For example, I had never thought of teacher isolation or lack of historical role models as obstacles. I believe this is an important conversation to have, especially in teacher preparation programs; however, I also believe that activism should be discussed beforehand. I am curious as to how we can bring about activism earlier in the education system. I think this is one way in which this article connects to our previous discussions because one could look towards critical education as a means to start this dialogue among all students, not simply just those who want to be teachers.
ReplyDeleteWhen I think of any form of activism, I think of protests, rallies, and campaigns. I think of large groups taking a stand on what they believe needs to change. Because I am not a person who enjoys putting myself out there like that, I never really considered myself an activist. This reading helped change my mind though. It talked a little about ways teachers are activist in their own classroom. So, it might not be a huge part but I can do that; have a small part in the journey to a positive change and participate in ways that I can within my classroom or maybe school.
ReplyDeleteI find the word activism very aggressive, especially when you are talking about education. I always associate the word activism with some kind of protest or demonstration, even though I know that’s not necessarily the meaning of activism, that is what I associate the word with. I found out in the reading that the word activism can mean a lot more than just protesting. I thought it was really interesting that teacher activism also includes in-class activism by teaching students how to think critically and raising their consciousness. This kind of activism is really inspiring because this can really change the future for education for the better.
ReplyDeletePrior to this reading, I had little knowledge regarding teacher activism. Low pay strikes is all that I have seen regarding activism in the education field. However, I think it is also important for teachers to show strong feelings towards things that help the community such as resources for classrooms, more easily accessible food for the students, and more accessible healthcare. I believe that teachers speaking on the behalf of those who do not have a voice (their students) can bring a lot of change into the world and into the classroom. (Madison W)
ReplyDeleteThere were many interesting points in this thought-provoking article. One issue which has been in the news lately is that Virginia is one of only three remaining states where teachers can’t collectively bargain (along with other state, city employees). Even with the shift to Democratic control of the General Assembly, it appears that pending legislation will not pass. Virginia seems to be very union - adverse for some reason. [Some feel it would make Virginia less attractive to new business ventures from out-of-state companies.] At least both budget versions currently being reconciled do contain raises for teachers - long overdue. And, it was great to see so many teachers actively promoting more funding for schools which benefits everyone, especially the kids.
ReplyDeletePrior to this reading, I did not know much about teacher activism. I was unaware that teachers are making an effort outside of schools to make a change in the system. I love that teachers are encouraging students to speak their mind and not be afraid to say how they feel.
ReplyDeleteMy question is: what are some possible things teachers are restricted to do in the classroom that they feel needs to be taught or implemented?
Courtney Hedrick-Choi
I feel like this reading really helped me understand more in depth about teacher activism. What I found particularly interesting from the reading was the obstacles for teacher activism. Especially when they mention how activism in history like Rosa Parks is taught in schools. It made me think about my own life and how I would like to see change in schools and for teachers but I never thought about how i'd be able to help in the cause. The reason I decided to go into teaching as my future career is because I just like kids and I thought it was a job i'd really enjoy and be passionate about doing because I'd feel like my work actually has an impact on my students and their future. I also have always had strong opinions on certain topics that i'd like to advocate for, but they always just end up with me researching and then sharing what I know. Besides voicing my opinion, I don't really know where to start to take action for change. Overall i just thought this article opened my mind to the obstacles of teacher activism, and like the article mentioned it's really beneficial for teacher preparation programs to educate us about this issue in a formal setting so we are more informed when we step into the role as educators and have the opportunity to advocate for changes.
ReplyDeleteAnna Calabrese
ReplyDeleteBefore reading the article, I knew nothing about teacher activism. As to why I didn't know anything, I'm not sure if it is because that subject is hidden/glossed over or if it's simply because I haven't had many teaching courses yet and just haven't had the chance to be exposed to that part of the profession. I think that it's important to be able to advocate for yourself, your fellow teachers, and for better education, but I would like to know more about it. I thought that it was interesting that a lack of historical figures to support teacher activism is one of the reasons that it is less common than maybe it should be.
Melodee Hanson
ReplyDeleteI had no idea how large of a magnitude teacher activism is. I've seen only a few teachers actually work and speak their beliefs towards this, which makes me wonder why a majority of other teachers aren't as driven or enthused. Have they been drained for the love of the profession? Has the administration burned them down from all of their ideas? Will more teachers stand their ground and advocate their opinions to change and help students better?
Prior to reading the article, I had heard of the term "teacher activism", but I was not clear on what exactly it was, or its importance to the world of teaching. I think that it is important for teachers to recognize the part that they play as both educators as well as activists. I think that teachers might not realize that if they do not partake in any kind of activism, they won't be heard and things may not change. I also think that teachers deprecate their own authority, and this is why they might not practice activism. So, I guess my question is how do we get teachers to understand their role as activists? Do the students help them realize this? Do we just have to wait for them to come to terms with it on their own?
ReplyDeleteWhen I was in high school, there was one teacher in particular that I was close to and she was a part of the VEA (Virginia Educators Association). She talked to me quite often about the different events she had gone to and how empowering it was for her to be apart of a group that fights for what they believe in. So, I was aware of teacher activism prior to the reading for today. Seeing the strides that teachers are now taking to fight for change makes me so excited for what changes will be made by the time I am actually am to teach. I also really appreciate the fact that teachers are making their voices heard because that will influence students to do the same.
ReplyDeleteJoiya Brightwell
B. Ma
ReplyDeleteI see teacher activism crippled by the same issue that cripples a large number of teacher related interest. Teacher activism would have a much larger impact with better teacher pay. Activism requires either time and/or money to effectively impact society. The collectively bargaining power of teachers is limited with the amount of income they earn. Time wise, many teachers must work side jobs to support their families, which could serve as potential time for weekend activism or for after work activism. I don't want to come off as cynical, but it seems teacher activism will never reach its full potential until teacher pay is adjusted to more liveable standards.
Prior to the reading, I had very little knowledge about the depth of teacher activism and the type of discrimination that occurs in the individual branches of teacher activism. My question is, are there legitimate and tangible solutions to diminishing unequal treatment of minority educators in teacher preparation programs? How can we expect to produce exceptional and genuine students when our educators are corrupt?
ReplyDeleteJessica MacIntyre
ReplyDeleteI've seen things about teacher activism in the news and in the things we have read, but I never really looked deep into it as much as I feel like I should have. I think teachers should definitely be able to have a voice and be able to make change in their classrooms and schools.
(Sorry this is late, I just found out that my blogs aren't sending for some reason... probably because I have really bad internet at home.)