The manner in which educators engage in social justice advocacy is important not only to support societal changes but also as role models for students who are finding their own agency in social activism. Systemic and transformative change towards equity only happens when individuals are willing and courageous enough to engage in difficult…

This essay articulates the benefits of teacher diversity by illustrating six themes: a) leading for social justice through local and global civic engagement; b) developing an inclusive school culture; c) culturally relevant pedagogy; d) cultural translators and transformers; e) role models; and (f) benefits accrued by White students. The authors…

Personal reflections provide snapshots on Patricia Mason's journey from third grade to higher education and highlight family, teacher, and school influence on her academic growth. Integrated Catholic school and community experiences shaped the cultural and social dimension of her present teaching philosophy. Recollections of childhood school…

The language used by adults in an early childhood setting is one of the most telling indicators of the values of a center. Each center has its own culture of language that consists of often heard phrases and scripts used when teaching and caring for young children. Listening closely to words, tones, and scripts--educators tune into what is unseen,…

This article focuses on one individual's perspective about the reason she has continued to work with college students over the course of many years and what has influenced her own commitment to character development and values-focused education. Using her love of Negro spirituals for inspiration, three themes, responding to injustice, facing…

Over the past several years and to the delight of many child care center directors, the early childhood field has received funding to educate individuals working in child care classrooms to support professional development systems. However, not everyone receiving these educational opportunities to support their professional development embraces…

In high school, the author was bullied constantly. The bullying centered on the fact that he could not easily articulate new multi-syllable words or participate in casual conversations with other boys. The bullying had several effects: (1) he became more isolated in society and far less confident in his abilities; (2) he became afraid to ask…