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The celebrated education writer
argues that teaching, at its best, is social justice work
and offers
an "Ethics" for teachers from pre-K to graduate
level
For William Ayers, noted educator
and activist, "the
allure of teaching, that ineffable magic that draws me and
many others back to the classroom again and again, comes
from the particularly precious ideal that lies directly at
its heart: Teaching, at its best, is an enterprise geared
toward helping every human being reach the full measure of
his or her humanity."
In this book, Ayers proposes a new
way of looking at the craft of education; how it can be
used in authoritarian ways
at the service of the state, the church, or a restrictive
existing social order—an idea he abhors—or, as
he envisions it, as a way to achieve in students "their
fullest, democratic humanity." Using examples from his
own classroom experiences and those of his many colleagues,
as well as from popular culture, film, and novels, Ayers
redraws the lines concerning how we teach, why we teach,
and what we find there when we help students become independent,
curious, and involved learners.
"Committed and aware teachers," Ayers observes, "are
engaged in the struggle to understand the moral contract
of teaching and must endeavor to accomplish two crucial tasks:
to convince students that there is no such thing as 'receiving'
an education as a passive receptor or vessel, and that all
education is self-education. The other task is to demonstrate
to students that they are valued, that their humanity is
honored, and that their growth, enlightenment, and liberation
are the teacher's core concerns." This lucid and inspiring
book will help teachers at every level to realize that ideal.
William Ayers is Distinguished Professor of Education and
Senior University Scholar at the University of Illinois at
Chicago. He is founder of the Small Schools Workshop and
the Center for Youth and Society, and he is the author of
many books, including A Kind and Just Parent (Beacon / 4403-2
/ $15.00 pb) and Fugitive Days (Beacon / 1234-5 / $24.00
hc).
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