Embracing the Social and the Creative

The education of teachers has always presented problems. The essays in this book address the issue in terms of the educational needs of the 21st century. In the first section, contributors review some of the challenges and proposed changes in the US, UK, Israel, Scotland, and Hong Kong. The second section of the book addresses issues more broadly, such as feminine culture, racism, and environmental education. Educating both new and experienced teachers in the role of technology as an educational tool is acknowledged as necessary. Balancing content and methodology in educating teachers is a long-standing problem. There is recognition throughout the book about the differing needs of teachers throughout their professional careers. Beginning teachers seem to need practical, classroom-oriented learning; more-experienced professionals require a more theoretical and ethical approach. The most informative parts of the book are the examples of specific educational dilemmas. The authors stress the importance of collaboration among elementary schools, secondary schools, and higher education institutions as well as the importance of lifelong learning for teachers. The problem of educational funding is continuously mentioned and hovers over every innovative idea. Summing Up: Recommended. Research and professional collections. * CHOICE *
At last we have a comprehensive book about teacher education in different cultures and countries around the world and a marvelous compendium of teaching approaches, beliefs and knowledge as well as an approach to the future of teaching. This is a must read for all those concerned with elevating teacher quality to its proper focus—how to educate great teachers! -- Ann Lieberman, senior scholar, Stanford University
Miriam Ben-Peretz has assembled an impressive range of international contributors in one of the best edited collections on the roles and practices of teacher educators. Focusing on their work as agents of change dedicated to building a strong, high quality teaching profession in times of change, this is a must read for all who care about education. -- Christopher Day, professor of education, University of Nottingham
Adopting an ample international perspective, and stressing the professional development of teacher educators as critical to the quality of education, Embracing the Social and the Creative: New Scenarios for Teacher Education offers a broad, in-depth examination of the dynamic and multifaceted complexities inherent in the roles of teacher educators in different countries, contexts and cultures. Conceptually and empirically grounded, each chapter provides a critical analysis and discussion of relevant burning issues related to teacher educators’ professional learning and development. The book succeeds in drawing together a vast scholarship of research, illuminating on current dialogues in the field from a wide spectrum of international contributions from Europe, Australia, Hong Kong, North America and Israel. As such, it is an excellent, comprehensive resource for scholars, researchers and teacher educators. -- Lily Orland-Barak, Professor of Education, The University of Haifa