The Ignored Religious Other: Atheist Preservice Teachers and the Teaching of World Religions

• In Event: Poster Session 15
  In Poster Session: The Lives of Teachers: Poster Session

Abstract

The purpose of this case study was to investigate how four Atheist/Agnostic (A/A) elementary pre-service teachers (PSTs) planned, taught, and reflected on a world religions field experience with 7th-grade students. Data sources included at least three interviews with each participant, lesson observations, and document analysis of their lesson plans and reflection journals. All four of the PSTs experienced discrimination and exclusion during childhood because of their lack of religiosity. The A/A PSTs desire to teach in a manner that promotes critical thinking and student interpretation of historical events, yet they are nervous about offending students and parents. A/A teachers are likely to feel isolated and marginalized, which are key factors in teachers leaving the profession.

Authors

• Derek L. Anderson, Northern Michigan University

• Holly Mathys, Northern Michigan University

• Tanya Cook, Northern Michigan University