Teacher as Executor, Adaptor, or Innovator? The Meaning of Teaching in an Era of Complexity

• In Event: Teacher Leadership for Instruction

Abstract

Teachers in current times are facing substantial challenges in managing strict accountability mandates, developing students’ 21st century competencies, and providing meaningful learning to every learner. As the COVID-19 pandemic and Black Lives Matter movement add more significant challenges to teachers, I attempt to deliberate on the nature and meaning of teaching in the current period of uncertainty and complexity. Based on an extensive review of the literature, I propose three perspectives that help theorize the multidimensional and purposive nature of teaching based on the relationship between teacher and the curriculum—teacher as executor, adaptor, and innovator. These perspectives could be useful for teachers in interpreting and transforming their practice with respect to their beliefs, students, and social demands.

Author

• Jina Ro, Sungkyunkwan University