Teaching for Educational Equity

At a time when isms, phobias, injustice, and inequity are pervasive, this book provides educators with an instructive and illustrative resource to guide them into reflective spaces that should lead to social action. The issues explored in these cases are real, provocative, nuanced and essential for educators and teacher education programs serious about developing practices and policies that meet the need of students—all students, every day. This is necessary reading for pre-service and practicing educators. -- H. Richard Milner IV, author, Rac(e)ing to Class: Confronting Poverty and Race in Schools and Classrooms
Social justice issues confront educators daily. We witness sexual bullying, racist comments, disability microaggressions, homophobic responses and other illustrations of hate crimes in our classrooms, in our department hallways, at sporting events. While there are policies, investigatory procedures and training programs that are guided by federal law, schools and college/university campuses do not all handle these issues similarly. When confronted with social justice issues, educators may rely on their own interpretation of their school’s/campus’ policy or not know how to advise students of their rights and responsibilities. As a trainer on issues related to Title IX and Title VII, I often use case studies to illustrate appropriate and inappropriate ways to deal with policy violations. I have found case studies empower educators as well as encourage their critical thinking and decision making skills. Case studies allow educators to learn potential consequences to their actions and inactions with respect to social justice violations. Martin and Beese’s Teaching for Educational Equity: Case Studies for Professional Development and Principal Preparation integrates legal, social science, education and human resource management research. Martin and Beese offer a blueprint for educators on ways to value and respect ALL students. These volumes are a paper mentor for educators and students who work toward social justice. -- Michele Paludi, Ph.D., Excelsior College
In the United States we believe that all students should have access to a good, safe and just education. But that is out of reach for many students who may be experiencing racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, sexism, homophobia, sexual harassment, and bullying over a disability or their socioeconomic status. These issues can prevent students from thriving in the classroom and growing as citizens. While the onus should not be on teachers and school administrators alone to change this, they can make a difference, and Dr. Jennifer Martin and Dr. Jane Breese’s book Teaching for Educational Equity: Case Studies for Professional Development and Principal Preparation is the perfect tool to help them. Readers will find gripping and informative case studies, policy information, research and discussion questions to help them think through these social justice issues and decide how they can make their classrooms more just and fair for all students.   -- Holly Kearl, Founder: Stop Street Harassment and author of Stop Global Street Harassment: Growing Activism Around the World