Full Description
The Cage-Busting Teacher adopts the logic of Cage-Busting Leadership and applies it to the unique challenges and opportunities of classroom teachers. Detailed, accessible, and thoroughly engaging, it uncovers the many ways in which teachers can break out of familiar constraints in order to influence school and classroom practice, education policy, and school reform. "Cage-busting is concrete, precise, and practical," writes Frederick M. Hess. This invaluable book helps teachers understand why and how to revisit their assumptions and enables them to have greater impacts upon their schools and beyond.
Based on interviews with hundreds of teachers, teacher advocates, union leaders, and others, Hess identifies the challenges teachers face, seeks concrete and workable solutions, and offers recommendations to put those solutions in place. A uniquely practical and inspiring book, The Cage-Busting Teacher is for educators who want to shape the schools and systems in which they work.
Contents
CONTENTS
Preface xiii
The Classroom Cage 1
Choose to Be a Problem Solver 35
Managing Up 59
Millions of Registered Voters—and Their Kids 87
Tackling Everyday Problems 111
The Union Question 139
Square Pegs and Round Holes 167
You Are Braver Than You Believe 191
APPENDIX A
Cage-Busting for Beginners 215
APPENDIX B
Glossary of Terms 237
APPENDIX C
Teacher Voice Organizations 241
APPENDIX D
Fellowships and Leadership Opportunities 247
APPENDIX E
Resources for Rethinking the Profession 253
APPENDIX F
AFT and NEA Initiatives 257
APPENDIX G
Questions for Further Thought and Exploration 261
Notes 273
Acknowledgments 283
About the Author 285
Index 287
