The Right to Teach

Creating Spaces for Teacher Agency

Alcione Negrao Ostorga

The current accountability environment of education in the US has focused on the discussions of improving the quality of educational outcomes based on a set of assumptions that exclude the perspectives of the teacher. This book fills important gaps in the educational reform rhetoric from a theoretical and practical perspective because it first argues for the professionalization of teaching so that teachers can make professional decisions in their classrooms, instead of simply following directions from their supervisors in a top-down fashion. Then, the book provides a detailed framework that can assist educators in creating spaces where teachers can exercise agency in a way that will benefit their students.

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Pages: 116 • Trim: 6½ x 9¼

978-1-4758-3448-2 • Hardback • May 2018 • $55.00 • (£42.00)

978-1-4758-3449-9 • Paperback • May 2018 • $29.00 • (£19.99)

978-1-4758-3450-5 • eBook • May 2018 • $27.50 • (£19.99)

Subjects: Education / Aims & Objectives, Education / Professional Development, Education / Teaching Methods & Materials / General

The Right to Teach

Creating Spaces for Teacher Agency

Hardback

Paperback

eBook

Summary

The current accountability environment of education in the US has focused on the discussions of improving the quality of educational outcomes based on a set of assumptions that exclude the perspectives of the teacher. This book fills important gaps in the educational reform rhetoric from a theoretical and practical perspective because it first argues for the professionalization of teaching so that teachers can make professional decisions in their classrooms, instead of simply following directions from their supervisors in a top-down fashion. Then, the book provides a detailed framework that can assist educators in creating spaces where teachers can exercise agency in a way that will benefit their students.

Details

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Pages: 116 • Trim: 6½ x 9¼

978-1-4758-3448-2 • Hardback • May 2018 • $55.00 • (£42.00)

978-1-4758-3449-9 • Paperback • May 2018 • $29.00 • (£19.99)

978-1-4758-3450-5 • eBook • May 2018 • $27.50 • (£19.99)

Subjects: Education / Aims & Objectives, Education / Professional Development, Education / Teaching Methods & Materials / General

Author

Alcione Negrao Ostorga is an associate professor in bilingual education and teacher preparation at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Her research focuses on preparing teachers and developing in them a strong professional identity that through an inquiry. For more information, visit https://alcioneostorga.wordpress.com/.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements
Introduction
Section 1: Agency in the Teaching Profession
Chapter 1: What is Teacher Agency?
Chapter 2: A Sociohistorical Look at the Loss of Teacher Agency
Chapter 3: A Theoretical Framework for Promoting Teacher Agency
Section 2: Teacher Agency in PracticeChapter 4: Teacher Agency—One Teacher’s Journey
Lileana Rios-Ledezma
Chapter 5: How Can Teachers Exercise Agency?
Chapter 6: How Can Teacher Educators and School Leaders Support Teacher Agency?
References
About the Author
About the Contributor
Index

Reviews

With teachers under seige daily in the media, by legislation, and on-campus violence, this book offers a compelling and refreshing approach. Situated in the context of our recent and persistent educational challenges, Dr. Ostorga's book, The Right To Teach: Creating Spaces For Teacher Agency, provides a well-grounded theoretical model for consideration. I greatly appreciated the fresh perspective on the topic which Ostorga creates as she draws on adult learning, cultural historical theory, and critical pedagogy.

Based on extensive teaching experience, research and field work, Ostorga knows her audience and their needs. The last few chapters provide teachers and administrators with practical ways to apply this teacher agency model to their situations immediately.
— Kathleen P. King, author, speaker, faculty coach & university professor