Calls to Action
I seek to act politically in ways that strengthen the image and power of my profession. Leslie David Burns wrote this call to action: “English teachers… need to educate the public about English teaching and translate our knowledge and research so that the public can fully understand our complex work. In too many ways, professionals have quietly complied with accountability mandates that may not be good for English teachers or our students” (56). Professional communities not only create spaces for collaborartion, but also allow like-minded teachers the outlets to share research, establish policy, and discuss possibilities for action. English teachers who are upset by the narrow, political definitions of literacy or the limited views on success writing can together compile first hand classroom evidence of ”successful” instruction. I believe teachers are by their nature social advocates, and we should look to each other to form coalitions. Classroom teachers should make their individual students’ accomplishments and challenges part of the ongoing political debate about education. As Burns continues, “No one should be seen to know more about teaching and learning English than English teachers, and no one should be seen doing more to improve literacy education” (61).
Works Cited
Burns, Leslie David. “A Practical Guide to Political Action: Grassroots and English Teaching.” English Journal March 2007: 56-61.
