Identity and Teaching

Catalog description

“Education is the great equalizer of the conditions of men, the balance wheel of the social machinery”. This was the purpose of public schooling envisioned by Horace Mann, one of the 19th-century founders of the American Public School. Ours is an educational system that at its best is the engine of equalization, the great driver of social justice. Public schools are also a stark reminder of the inequitable distribution of resources. From hyper-segregated schools to resource distribution that shocks the conscience, we also see in public schools the most difficult face of American society. Into this milieu each year step thousands of new teachers, facing challenges in a way that affects them in ways they could never predict. As a new teacher, you need to be aware of your own identity, the identity of the students and families you serve, and the context of the community your school is in. This course sits at a time in teacher education when awareness of self, issues of equity, and examination of issues of social justice are as important as ever they were for the success of our students. This course focuses on issues of identity, bias, and positionality, and also explores the complex relationships within and among local, state, and national levels of public instruction. The course introduces historical, legal, and social issues that affect diverse educational settings. The course also includes an introduction to “reflective practice”. 1