social justice in education. social justice refers to equal access to opportunities, including wealth, privileges and professions, for all members of society. teaching for diversity and social justice means giving each student a quality education, promoting social well-being and teaching with honesty and transparency on historical and current issues of social justice.
Educators, school boards, and faculty need to become familiar with teaching within a framework of social justice. Earning a Doctor of Education (EDD) in Educational Leadership and Organizational Innovation equips you with practical solutions to address real-world challenges in today’s education system.
You are reading: Social justice in education books
another tool that helps teachers to obtain new strategies to teach diversity and social justice are educational books. Discover some of the best books on education that empower teachers to incorporate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and social justice into their curriculum.
why social justice is important in your teaching and curriculum
in 2019, a fifth grade teacher was accused of holding a mock slave auction in which white students bid on black students in new york. school assignments like this exploit, humiliate, and traumatize students. Although this is an extreme example, even something as subtle as classroom vocabulary can influence how a student perceives themselves and the world around them.
In another example, a Sacramento high school teacher made an offensive gesture during a zoom class when she averted her eyes to try to mimic those of Asian descent. This type of violation is known as a microaggression: “a comment or action that subtly and often unconsciously or unintentionally expresses a prejudiced attitude toward a member of a marginalized group.” although the teacher states that she did not intend to offend, the offensive action was nonetheless ignorant and harmful.
Educating teachers about social justice in schools can help prevent harmful teaching practices and protect and empower students. As leaders of the next generation of students, teachers must be advocates for social justice in schools.
statistics on social justice in education
School funding, teacher representation, and teacher quality all influence and impact student performance and outcomes. The following statistics demonstrate the current state of social justice in education:
- the us it ranks 23rd in high school graduation rate among the world’s wealthy nations. in 1970, the us was the first.
- a student living in poverty is 13 times less likely to graduate on time.
- nearly 60% of students who drop out of school will go to prison in at some point in their lives.
- 75% of Americans ages 17-24 are not qualified for military service because they are overweight, poorly educated, emotionally challenged, or have a criminal record.
- the unemployment rate for college-educated blacks is twice that of whites.
- across the country, districts with the most minority students receive 15% less per student in funding state and local than whiter districts.
- exposure to at least one black teacher in grades 3-5 reduces the likelihood that low-income black male students will drop out of school by nearly 40% .
Teachers should be passionate about improving the lives of their students and providing equal opportunities to diverse classrooms. As a teacher, social justice books are an accessible way to educate yourself, modify your vocabulary and communication style, and try new teaching strategies based on the latest advice from education experts.
8 best books on promoting social justice in education
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teachers interested in promoting social justice in schools can use books on education to stay informed and learn from diverse authors on topics such as equity in grades, school discipline against oppression, equality in the classroom and more. we rounded up eight of the best social justice books for teachers to add to their library.
1. ‘textured teaching: a framework for culturally sustainable practices’ by lorena german
lorena german, a dominican-american educator, focuses on anti-racist and anti-bias work in education. In her book, Textured Teaching: A Framework for Culturally Sustainable Practices, she breaks down teaching formulas through a social justice lens. The book offers practical strategies that teachers can incorporate into their classrooms. the framework is based on a student-driven, community-centered, interdisciplinary, experiential, and flexible approach to education.
2. ‘grading for equity: what it is, why it matters, and how it can transform schools and classrooms’ by joe feldman
Scores are a critical indicator of student outcomes and a vital determinant of future opportunities in higher education, the workforce, and economic advancement. Joe Feldman’s book, Grading for Equity: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How It Can Transform Schools and Classrooms, promotes new grading practices that encourage “review and redemption rather than compliance and corruption.” Joe Feldman began his career as a high school English and American history teacher. He now works with school districts and teachers to improve equity in grading and improve transparency and honesty with students.
3. ‘reading, writing, and racism: whiteness disruption in teacher education and the classroom’ by bree picower
bree picower is a professor and academic activist. In her book Reading, Writing, and Racism: Disrupting Whiteness in Teacher Education and the Classroom, Picower explains how white supremacy is ever present in school curricula and empowers white teachers to advance their understanding of racial justice. to change the way they think about and teach about race in the classroom. The book is honest and thoughtful, seeking to dismantle racism in education through personal responsibility. teachers should expect to take a hard look at their current practices and identify potentially harmful practices that need to be rethought.
4. ‘practice what you teach: social justice education in the classroom and on the streets’ by bree picower
bree picower earns another spot on the list for her book, Practice What You Teach: Social Justice Education in the Classroom and on the Streets. In this practical and provocative book, Picower addresses the challenges teachers will inevitably face as advocates and activists for social justice at various stages of their teaching careers. she explores specific strategies, the danger of inaction, reconciliation, and how to make a difference in the classroom and “organize in the streets”. is an excellent resource for teachers who want to become inspirational leaders.
5. ‘hacking school discipline: 9 ways to create a culture of empathy and responsibility using restorative justice’ by nathan maynard and brad weinstein
Discipline is complex and can be used to harm or improve student outcomes. In the book Hacking School Discipline: 9 Ways to Create a Culture of Empathy and Accountability Using Restorative Justice, authors Nathan Maynard and Brad Weinstein develop a plan for teachers and education leaders to eliminate punishment and oppression in schools and Instead, encourage independent learning. maynard and weinstein believe that if leaders can build a culture of responsibility, self-responsibility, and autonomy, they can teach students how to navigate classrooms without harming disciplinary practices.
6. ‘transformative leadership in education: equitable and socially just change in an uncertain and complex world’ by carolyn m. shields
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there is no doubt that the world is complex and constantly changing. educational models and classrooms are changing along with global influences such as the waves of the pandemic, digital acceleration, and social justice movements. carolina m. Shields book Transformative Leadership in Education: Equitable and Socially Just Change in an Uncertain and Complex World acknowledges the ambiguity in education and uses contemporary research to explore leadership and social justice. shields believes that teachers can lead in ways that promote an academically excellent, equitable, inclusive, and socially just education for all students. The book also addresses the value of self-reflection, grounding, and spirituality in transformational leadership.
7. “is everyone really equal?: an introduction to key concepts in education for social justice” by robin diangelo and Özlem sensoy
robin diangelo is a professor at the school of social work, and Özlem sensoy is a professor focused on gender, sexuality and women’s studies. In the book Is Everyone Really the Same?: An Introduction to Key Concepts in Education for Social Justice, diangelo and sensoy present a world-winning guide to social justice in education, focusing on intersectionality, classism , contemporary activism (black lives matter, occupations and inactivity). no more) and colonialism. In addition, the book provides teachers with extensive vocabulary, discussion questions, and tools to run a workshop, class, or study group.
8. ‘social studies for a better world: an anti-oppressive approach for elementary educators (equity and social justice in education)’ by noreen naseem rodriguez and katy swalwell
noreen naseem rodriguez and katy swalwell recognize that young learners in today’s geopolitical landscape are exposed to complex issues every day and need tools to deal with them. His book Social Studies for a Better World: An Anti-Oppressive Approach for Elementary Educators addresses systemic racism, pressing environmental concerns, deep political divisions, and how current and future pandemics influence health equity. this book is an inspiring map to build a better future for all. helps teachers start a conversation about how students can impact the world and promote equity and social justice in their careers and lives.
create real change with a doctor of education (ed.d.)
Become a leader and advocate for social justice inspiring change in diverse settings with Marymount University’s online education. in educational leadership and organizational innovation. Aligned with best practices and insights from influential thought leaders, our ed.d. prepares you to educate within a framework of social justice and contribute to better results in schools, communities, government, health care, and public and private organizations.
This highly personalized online program can help you identify a relevant problem affecting your school district, classroom, and students and create innovative solutions through research, theory, and practice. If you want to position yourself to make a significant impact in your field and lead into the future, Marymount Online Ed.D. in educational leadership and organizational innovation might be right for you.
why marymount?
our ed.d. Completely online and accredited. Distinguishes itself as a Carnegie Project Fellow in the Doctor of Education (Cped), giving you convenient access to quality, hands-on courses that can advance your career without putting it on hold.
the ed.d. online. in educational leadership and organizational innovation is:
- expedited: new cohorts start each fall and spring. it is possible to complete 48 credits necessary to graduate in less than three years (8 consecutive semesters).
- Recognized: Marymount is nationally recognized as a distinguished university for education and business, where students are encouraged to “learn with a purpose.”
- Connected: Build connections with innovative, experienced, and caring educators in the nation’s capital, home to the most educated workforce in the country.*
For those seeking to become leaders in education and advance social justice, consider ed.d. by marymount. in educational leadership and organizational innovation.
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