Educating Activist Allies

by Katy M. Swalwell

A CHOICE Outstanding Academic Title 2013! Educating Activist Allies offers a fresh take on critical education studies through an analysis of social justice pedagogy in schools serving communities privileged by race and class. By documenting the practices of socially committed teachers at an urban private academy and a suburban public school, Katy Swalwell helps educators and educational theorists better understand the challenges and opportunities inherent in this work. She also examines how students responded to their teachers’ efforts in ways that both undermined and realized the goals of social justice pedagogy. This analysis serves as the foundation for the development of a curricular framework helping students to foster an "Activist Ally" the skills, knowledge, and dispositions necessary to negotiate privilege in ways that promote justice. Educating Activist Allies provides a powerful introduction to the ways in which social justice curricula can and should be enacted in communities of privilege.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction, Teaching

184 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Stephanie Borges Folarin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is essential reading for all educators, especially those teaching wealthy children. Swalwell breaks down the importance of social justice education and how it benefits EVERYONE. She supports this claim by sharing her in-depth research notes. Race, social class and privilege are explored. It's a GREAT BOOK so read it.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Using concrete methods to uncover the pitfalls and potentials of educating for justice with privileged youth, Swalwell is able to provide much needed insight into this necessary focus for educators. The text, accessible and substantive, provides insights for practitioners, researchers, activists, and anyone who likes to think about education and social change.