Teacher Education Program Redesign: Maintaining a Focus on Social Justice in an Increasingly Challenging Context

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session 33
  In Roundtable Session: Inquiry in Transformative, Justice-Centered Teacher Education Programs

Abstract

This qualitative case study describes the outcomes of a major reorganization of a well-established five semester post-baccalaureate combined credential/MA program into a three semester program. The original program focused squarely on social justice and multicultural awareness; reorganization was driven entirely by external forces, many of which the department faculty viewed as anathema to our larger purposes as educators that are based on deficit-models of diversity, ignore relational aspects of teaching, and are at the heart of efforts to privatize teacher education. Reorganization involved heavy reliance on “touchstone texts,” immersive field experiences, and student action-inquiry centered on making theory to practice connections. We report outcomes that are decidedly mixed, and outline plans for further redesign.

Authors

• Grinell Smith, San José State University

• Colette Rabin, San José State University