In this paper, the author aims to bring individuals together and engage in a meaningful, critical examination of selected topics that concern teacher educators and practitioners. The author focuses on the imperative of civic engagement--fostering democratic minds among a citizenry motivated and capable in civic engagement--which is evermore…

In the author's research, he has found that there are two key elements of an effective civic education: (1) duty; and (2) voice. In this article, he elaborates on what he means by these terms, but first he notes that--perhaps ironically--neither speaks to the content of a civics curriculum. He believes that it is possible to reach consensus on…

Civic engagement draws on the concepts of American democratic ideals such that society's interests are promulgated through the education of its citizenry. Ideas come to fruition in the form of community action, voting, involvement in the political process, and public discourse for promoting the commonwealth. Engendering in youth the commitment to…

Teachers need a much greater repertoire of skills than those that produce successful test takers. Teachers need to be prepared to lead students to important understandings and ideas, to assist them in developing key skills, and to open up for them values and attitudes that guide everyday actions in an uncertain world. Teacher education programs…

Some might question whether teacher education programs have an obligation to promote or enhance the teaching of civic responsibility and engagement, especially if they believe that the primary purpose of education is to prepare students to enter the workforce or be successful as individuals. However, others have a more encompassing view of…

This article builds on Lowenstein's (2009) argument that we need to consider a "parallel practice" wherein teacher educators model pedagogy that understands and values the assets that preservice teachers bring into the classroom. Drawing from a qualitative study of 17 preservice teachers entering two programs, this article discusses what kind of…

Teacher educators are supposed to ensure that their preservice candidates and practitioners are equipped with the content knowledge, pedagogical skills, and dispositions that will help to create effective classroom teachers who serve as models of civic engagement for their students. Civic engagement is understood as being the act of making a…

The author takes up the invitation to engage in the dialogue on the imperatives for civic engagement in teacher education at the intersections of youth, immigration, and globalization in urban contexts--especially when given that many of the youth in K-12 schools are immigrants or children of immigrants. The first imperative considers the…

Members of a democratic polity should be prepared to participate in the practices of democratic governance if they are fully to enjoy their rights as citizens and discharge their civic responsibilities. This article highlights three fundamental practices of democratic life: (1) the capacity for deliberation with others about matters of public…