"Activism Is Advocating": How Educator Preparation Programs Teach About Teacher Activism

• In Event: Teacher Activism for the Profession

Abstract

Teacher protests across the nation have garnered widespread attention. This qualitative study explores the role of teacher education programs and messages they communicate to preservice teachers regarding involvement in teacher activism. Data sources include transcripts of 10 interviews with teacher educators and survey data from 142 faculty members from 43 institutions across four states with high profile teacher activism. Findings indicate that the participants recognized tension within their institutions regarding how to educate (if at all) future teachers to advocate for their future profession. We also found that the participants implemented varied approaches to incorporating activism into their courses.

Authors

• Todd McCardle, Eastern Kentucky University

• Stacey J Korson, Eastern Kentucky University

• Stephanie Schroeder, The Pennsylvania State University