Supporting Peace Education in Teacher Education Programs

Overview & Synopsis

In examining their elementary teacher education program at James Madison University, from their mission to the curriculum and program delivery, the authors used the opportunity to focus explicitly on peace education. The mission and content of teacher education programs are determined largely by the faculty of the institutions of higher education that house them, and by teacher licensing regulations within the given state. Therefore, although committed to making an impact with peace education as an area of focus in their courses, the authors were not free to add peace education as an additional and required course within the program. This article focuses on three courses in which peace education could be more consciously and systematically integrated. These courses (Creativity and the Arts in Early Childhood; Social Studies Methods; and Children's Literature) were taught by three different faculty members across one semester. Through critical and collaborative examinations of their work, student artifacts, and their own philosophical reflections, the authors aspired to expand their effectiveness as peace educators and, in turn, guide their students in the ways of peace.