The Paradox of Teaching for Social Justice: Interest Convergence in Early-Career Educators. (February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: French, Kate Rollert
• Is Part Of: Urban education. Volume 58:Number 2(2023)
• Page Start: 312
• Page End: 337
• Publication Date: 2023-02
• Subjects: social justice teaching -- novice teachers -- urban education -- critical race theory; Education, Urban -- Periodicals; Enseignement en milieu urbain -- Périodiques; Éducation; Milieu urbain; Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); 370.91732
• DOI: 10.1177/0042085919850259
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0042-0859

Abstract

There is a growing emphasis on social justice pedagogy as a predominantly White teacher labor force infiltrates classrooms in urban schools. Using critical race theory (CRT)—and the construct of interest convergence—this study examines how White teachers working in an urban school apply and enact teaching for social justice during their first year in the classroom as teachers of record. Findings suggest that the behaviors of new teachers misalign with true intentions of teaching for social justice and instead assuage teachers' perceptions of teaching for social justice to benefit personal and professional interests.