This collection of essays frames the work of teachers and teacher educators within a struggle over what it means to educate a highly diverse public. Visions for public education, as shaped by progressivism and the Civil Rights movements, have emphasized preparation of all children and youth for participation in a diverse democracy. This vision is being challenged by neoliberalism, which frames education as a commodity to be acquired for individual advancement within a competitive marketplace, and as an arena for profit-making. In this book, Sleeter connects incisive conceptual analyses, research reviews, and descriptive portraits of teachers and teacher educators as they "teach back to power." She argues that the work of pushing back against neoliberalism, especially as it overlaps with racism, patriarchy, and radical religious fundamentalism, is a political project, but one that research can help to support.
«Grounded in research and practical classroom applications, Christine E. Sleeter critically analyzes neoliberal views on school reform, such as test-driven standardization and accountability policies, that threaten to crumble the very foundation of multicultural democracy. This well written and powerful book helps us understand the complex ways that make teaching the ultimate political act and should be required reading for all who believe that every student in this country deserves a quality education.» (Jacqueline Jordan Irvine, Candler Professor of Urban Education Emeritus, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia)
«Christine E. Sleeter's practical and scholarly work begins with a commitment to democracy and education - equitable schooling for all children - and leads toward a passionate embrace of the wildly diverse and dynamic society before us. Over many years hers has been a singular voice - the wise woman warrior - identifying, testifying, and fighting courageously against the violations of human and civil rights suffered by underrepresented and disadvantaged groups. In Power, Teaching, and Teacher Education: Confronting Injustice with Critical Research and Action we find her best and most recent thinking. Here she elaborates her central faith in the incalculable value of every human being; here she makes the case for a renewed participatory public square; here she raises the perennial question - where do we go from here?» (Bill Ayers, Distinguished Professor of Education and Senior University Scholar at the University of Illinois at Chicago, retired)
«Christine E. Sleeter's practical and scholarly work begins with a commitment to democracy and education - equitable schooling for all children - and leads toward a passionate embrace of the wildly diverse and dynamic society before us. Over many years hers has been a singular voice - the wise woman warrior - identifying, testifying, and fighting courageously against the violations of human and civil rights suffered by underrepresented and disadvantaged groups. In Power, Teaching, and Teacher Education: Confronting Injustice with Critical Research and Action we find her best and most recent thinking. Here she elaborates her central faith in the incalculable value of every human being; here she makes the case for a renewed participatory public square; here she raises the perennial question - where do we go from here?» (Bill Ayers, Distinguished Professor of Education and Senior University Scholar at the University of Illinois at Chicago, retired)