"The problem is bigger than us": Grappling with educational inequity in TeachFirst New Zealand. (November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Crawford-Garrett, Katherine
• Is Part Of: Teaching and teacher education. Volume 68(2017)
• Page Start: 91
• Page End: 98
• Publication Date: 2017-11
• Subjects: Teach for All -- Inequality -- Teacher preparation -- Neoliberalism -- New Zealand -- TeachFirst; Teaching -- Periodicals; Teachers -- Training of -- Periodicals; Enseignement -- Périodiques; Enseignants -- Formation -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 371.10205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tate.2017.08.010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0742-051X

Abstract

Abstract: This article utilizes phenomenological research approaches to trace the experiences of participants within TeachFirst New Zealand (TFNZ), a member of the global network, Teach for All, as they grapple with their role in addressing educational inequality on a national scale. Specifically, I argue that TFNZ participants struggled within and against "thin equity" (Cochran-Smith et al., 2016) explanations of persistent inequality by focusing on how they (1) understand their role as individual teachers working in an educational system marked by a history of colonization and systemic racism, and (2) grapple with the ability of an individual teacher to effect lasting change. Highlights: Research on Teach for All must address the lived experiences of the participants. Neoliberalism presents challenges for participants, specifically individualism. TeachFirst participants need opportunities to grapple with social inequality.