Teacher Tea
Breaking the Mold: Challenging the Status Quo in Education
What avenues do teachers have in order to make change in their schools?
In “Why Well-Behaved Teachers Rarely Make Systemic Change in Schools,” featured in EdSurge, author Ryan Burns discusses the challenges faced by teachers who try to implement meaningful change in schools. Burns shares his personal experiences of navigating a system that prioritized compliance over critical thinking. He describes the pressure to conform to a "well-behaved teacher" script, which suppressed his voice and limited his ability to create equitable learning environments. Burns shares this personal experience in order to emphasize the importance of breaking free from such a script and prioritizing personal integrity over institutional expectations. Educator stories such as these also shed light on the systemic issues that contribute to teacher burnout. Burns does conclude on a hopeful note, however, suggesting that leaving a toxic work environment opens up new opportunities for growth and personal fulfillment.
Critical thinking and social justice are fundamental to a well-rounded education for both teachers and students. Teachers play a key role in empowering students by integrating these principles into their teaching. Developing critical thinking skills—like analysis and problem-solving—prepares students for success in higher education and the workforce. Encouraging students to question assumptions and form independent opinions fosters both critical analysis and self-reliance.
Advocates of social justice education believe that it nurtures empathy and a commitment to equity. By examining complex issues like socioeconomic class and identity, students learn to challenge stereotypes and advocate for positive change. Prioritizing critical thinking within a social justice framework allows teachers to create inclusive, empowering learning environments that help prepare students for a future of active citizenship.