Courage Under Fire: The Transformative Experience of a Teacher Advocating for an Inclusive Curriculum

• In Event: Daring to Disrupt the Status Quo: Teacher Advocacy in Practice and Policy

Abstract

When a student requested that his teacher, Mr. Hammond, highlight Marsha P. Johnson for his daily 5-minute “person-of-the-day show,” Mr. Hammond paused. He recognized that Johnson, a prominent Black trans woman activist during the 1969 Stonewall Riots, might be a controversial choice for his conservative suburban middle school. But he wasn't prepared for the calls for his resignation, protests, TV news coverage, hate mail, and political campaign attacks that followed his decision to honor his student’s request. This case study describes the transformative learning experience of a teacher who courageously fought to advocate for his students and protect his job. Findings show the experience served as a form of empowerment and self-efficacy for the teacher, offering valuable lessons for teachers.

Authors

• Letitia Basford, Hamline University
  Presenting Author

• Joseph D. Lewis, Hamline University
  Presenting Author

• Colin Perucco, K-12 Middle School
  Presenting Author