Neoliberalism, Unionism, and Teacher Identity in British Columbia (2001-2013)

• In Event: Roundtable Session 21
  In Roundtable Session: Teacher Identity and the Transformation of Teacher’s Work

Abstract

Using a bifocal lens of historical and theoretical inquiry, this paper will examine key moments in the conflict between the British Columbia Liberal government and unionized public school teachers since the Liberals’ majority election in 2001. Drawing on Basu’s model for examining the implementation of neoliberal policies (Basu, 2004), the paper will analyse the impact of state legislative, regulatory and fiscal strategies on public schooling, unionism and teacher identity. This paper posits that the cultivation of more ‘complicated’ conceptions of teacher identity and unionism, grounded in broader democratic participation, might counter the polarization that currently characterizes relations between the provincial government and unionized teachers.

Author

• Anne Catherine Hales, The University of British Columbia