Democratic Education and the Role of Teachers’ Unions, Professional Organizations, and Working Groups

• In Event: Teaching Democracy Now

Abstract

Teachers do not do the work of democracy exclusively in their classrooms. Rather, they also support and sustain democracy through their many professional activities outside of their classrooms and schools. This paper examines the role of democracy within social studies teachers’ various associations, including teachers unions, professional organizations, local and state education agencies, and their professional learning opportunities, such as teacher preparation and professional development programs. It includes a brief history of social studies teachers' participation and leadership within different organizations that advance democracy and it showcases research on the ways that social studies teachers participate in democracy as teachers and community members.

Author

• Christopher C. Martell, University of Massachusetts - Boston