The Nexus of Teaching and Demographics: Context and Connections From Colonial Times to Today

by Boyd L. Bradbury, Charles L. Howell (Foreword)

The Nexus of Teaching and Context and Connections from Colonial Times to Today provides an overview of the evolution of education in the United States within the context of teacher preparation and demographics. Boyd Bradbury argues that the key to equitable education for all, including marginalized and underserved populations, is the nexus of teaching and demographics. Bradbury examines the history of education in the U.S., the relationship between minorities and education, the current state of teacher preparation, supply, and demand, and the potential impact of pedagogical dissonance, resilience, and best practices can have on creating diverse educational settings.

136 pages, Hardcover

Published November 24, 2020

Reviews

[Matt Jenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I found the text's arguments, analyses, and insights significant and relevant to today's ever-changing educational landscape. The text explores the changing demographics of the American schoolroom. Demonstrating that student populations are becoming increasingly diverse in racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Arguing that while the American schoolroom has changed to reflect the social and economic changes in the United States, the country's approach to education and teaching has not.

Where this text stands out when compared to other existing books on this subject is the writing style and originality. The text provides facts and information on the historical foundations of education in the U.S. and the state of education today. It uses the past to show how we have gotten to where we are today. While a definite academic tone is found throughout the text, the information provided was manageable and connected to the overall theme. The text is written more like a story than a textbook which helps the text be more relevant to students, teacher candidates, or novice teachers. The text also stands out in its originality by providing a broader scope of demographic changes beyond race and historical and contextual perspectives by tracing the nexus over a more considerable period.

I recommend it to any aspiring teacher, current teacher, administrator, or anyone interested in the state of education in America.

[Cynthia Carow-Schiebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a quick read to understand a section of educational history. The author approaches the topic of educational history and policy from a viewpoint that a non-educator would understand. As I read the book I constantly said to myself "Yes, this is what I have been thinking about education and someone finally wrote it down". I highly recommend this book to parents and education majors. Parents would have a better understanding of how education was organized and how that organization continues to impact modern-day educational models.

[Krissy Coudron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book that presents the connection between teaching and demographics from a historical perspective. Being assigned to read and review for a class assignment provided me with a broader perspective on the educational landscape in P-12 education in the United States. The book was concise, easy to read, and non-judgmental about the issues facing education, such as diversity and retention.

[Britt Tischmak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book does an exceptional job at helping the reader understand the foundation of education through the years while pointing out areas in which the education system has fallen short and caused holes for those in the system today. Overall, this book establishes a great sense of how educators can use the knowledge from the book to help make positive changes moving forward.

[Sarah Jansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recommend this book for a PLC or team that is wanting to gain a more well rounded perspective on the historical implications of the obstacles the education system is currently facing.