Thoughts on Teacher Education and Democracy

Overview & Synopsis

Studying democracy, and doing so critically, while striving to live it presents a peculiar and special charge to public education. As John Goodlad suggested, for teacher educators and in-service educators, this charge brings with it a responsibility to stand as stewards of public education and, hence, the most noble traditions of democracy in America, traditions that are fragile and in need of constant nurturing. Realizing this charge has far-reaching implications and may ultimately be the single, perhaps only, means for preserving public education in America. To this end, democracy needs to become a central part of the explicit curriculum for both public and teacher education.