Exam 14: School and Society: Teaching and Teacher Leadership in the 21st Century
What motivates you to teach? Reflect on your personal, political, and professional motivations. Describe how you see yourself as a teacher.
What motivates me to teach is the desire to make a positive impact on the lives of my students. Personally, I have always found fulfillment in helping others and seeing them grow and succeed. I believe that education is a powerful tool for empowerment and I am motivated by the opportunity to inspire and guide the next generation.
Politically, I am motivated by the belief that education is a fundamental right for all individuals. I see teaching as a way to contribute to creating a more equitable society by providing all students with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive. I am driven by the idea of being an advocate for educational equality and social justice through my role as a teacher.
Professionally, I am motivated by the opportunity to constantly learn and grow as an educator. Teaching provides me with the chance to engage with diverse perspectives, develop innovative teaching methods, and collaborate with colleagues to enhance my own skills. I am driven by the challenge of continually improving as a teacher and staying current with best practices in education.
As a teacher, I see myself as a facilitator of learning, creating a supportive and inclusive classroom environment where students feel empowered to explore and discover their own potential. I strive to be a mentor and guide for my students, providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed academically and personally. I also see myself as a lifelong learner, always seeking new ways to enhance my teaching and connect with my students on a deeper level. Overall, my goal is to inspire a love for learning and empower my students to become critical thinkers and engaged citizens.
In the final chapter the authors state: "From the early national period to the common school era; from the progressive era through the cold war to the post-cold war period of contemporary school reform; from agrarianism to industrialism and urbanization; from urbanization to suburbanization and the postindustrial computer age; form classical liberalism to neoliberalism-the story of public schools in the United States has been marked by a tension between the ideals of democratic equality versus the practices of unequal schooling…" Explain the terms used by the authors; the relationships among the time periods; and how the tension the author speaks about manifests itself during each of these times.
The terms used by the authors in this statement refer to different historical periods and ideologies that have shaped the development of public schools in the United States. The early national period refers to the time after the American Revolution, when the country was establishing its identity and institutions. The common school era refers to the mid-19th century, when the movement for universal public education gained traction.
The progressive era was a period of social and political reform in the early 20th century, while the cold war refers to the geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union in the mid-20th century. The post-cold war period of contemporary school reform refers to the present day, characterized by ongoing efforts to improve and change the education system.
Agrarianism and industrialism refer to the shift from an agricultural to an industrial economy, while urbanization and suburbanization represent the movement of people from rural to urban areas and then to suburban communities. The postindustrial computer age reflects the current era, in which technology and information play a central role in society.
Classical liberalism and neoliberalism are political and economic ideologies that have influenced government policies and societal values at different times in American history.
The tension between the ideals of democratic equality and unequal schooling has manifested itself in various ways throughout these time periods. During the early national and common school eras, the tension was evident in debates over who should have access to education and how it should be funded.
In the progressive era, efforts to create more equitable educational opportunities for all students were often met with resistance and inequality. During the cold war, education became a tool for promoting American values and combating perceived threats from communist ideologies.
In the post-cold war period, issues of funding, resources, and educational outcomes continue to reflect the tension between democratic ideals and unequal practices. The shifts from agrarianism to industrialism, urbanization to suburbanization, and from classical liberalism to neoliberalism have also influenced the distribution of educational resources and opportunities, perpetuating the tension between democratic equality and unequal schooling.
As you reflect on your new understanding of the social foundations of education, revisit the link between education and democracy. What role do you think democracy plays in schooling? Explain how your thoughts have evolved during your study and briefly evaluate the current state of American schools in this context.
As I reflect on my new understanding of the social foundations of education, I see the crucial link between education and democracy. Democracy plays a significant role in schooling as it promotes the values of equality, freedom, and participation. In a democratic society, education is essential for creating informed and engaged citizens who can actively participate in the democratic process, make informed decisions, and contribute to the betterment of society.
During my study, my thoughts on the role of democracy in schooling have evolved. I now see that education is not just about acquiring knowledge and skills, but also about developing critical thinking, empathy, and a sense of civic responsibility. Schools should provide students with the opportunity to learn about democratic principles and practices, engage in civil discourse, and understand the importance of diversity and inclusion.
When evaluating the current state of American schools in this context, I see both strengths and weaknesses. On the positive side, there are efforts to promote civic education, teach about social justice issues, and encourage student participation in school governance. However, there are also challenges such as unequal access to quality education, lack of diversity in curriculum, and instances of intolerance and discrimination within schools. It is clear that there is still work to be done to ensure that American schools fulfill their role in promoting democracy and preparing students to be active and responsible citizens.
Is a course in social foundations of education relevant in the current climate of standardized testing and professional standards? Why or why not? What are the three major things that you will take away from your study?
The reason to examine the question of "Why teach?" is to think about
Reflect on the Primary Source Reading, "Teachers, Testing, & Civil Disobedience." Did the suspended teacher have a good theory of impact? Do you think that the suspended teacher's acts were acts of civil disobedience or insubordination? Can you respect the system even if you don't believe in it, as one commentator wrote? Do you think the suspended teacher's actions send a positive or negative message to his students? What role could effective teacher leadership play in the problems discussed in the reading? Which comments did you find the most thought-provoking? Why?
Develop your own initial theory of impact. What do you want to accomplish as a teacher? What outcomes will you strive for? How will you avoid those outcomes that you don't desire? What impact do you seek to have on your students' thinking, valuing, understanding, skills, and life chances?
Filters
- Essay(0)
- Multiple Choice(0)
- Short Answer(0)
- True False(0)
- Matching(0)