Teacher Organizing in the Struggle for Public Education: A Conversation With Teacher Activist Organizations

Session Type: Invited Speaker Session

Abstract

The 2018 Annual Meeting Theme calls on education researchers to “confront the struggles for public education, considering the times in which we are living… and the roles we can play in the fight for justice.” Teacher activists have been at the forefront of struggles for public education and justice in schooling for decades, and their numbers and collective actions have only grown in the past few years. This session features a panel of representatives from several teacher activist groups to share the nature of their organizing and their views on activism within teacher unions; with students, parents, and community organizers; with education researchers; and with broader struggles and social movements.

Sub Unit

• Division K - Teaching and Teacher Education

Chairs

• Tricia Niesz, Kent State University

• Kathleen Riley, West Chester University of Pennsylvania

Speakers

• Denisha Jones, Trinity Washington University

• Natalia Ortiz, New York Collective of Radical Educators

• Kelley Collings, Feltonville School of Arts and Science, School District of Philadelphia

• Shira Cohen, Feltonville School of Arts and Science, School District of Philadelphia

• Michael Flanagan, Riverdale Kingsbridge Academy

• Katrina Clark, Workshop School and Caucus of Working Educators

• Christopher Rogers, EduColor and Teacher Action Group - Philadelphia

• Rita Kamani Renedo, New York City Department of Education