Researching and Teaching Social Issues

Researching and Teaching Social Issues: The Personal Stories and PedagogicalEfforts of Professors of Education, then, is comprised of original personalessays in which some notable teacher educators of late delineate the genesis andevolution of their thought and work vis-a` -vis the teaching of social issues. Inrelating their personal stories, the authors were asked to discuss among otherissues those individuals and/or scholarly works that have most influenced themand how, their own aspirations in the field, the frustrations they have faced, theirperceptions of the field, their major contributions, and their current endeavors.Our goal was that each and every story be as informative, instructive, and engaging as possible. We believe thatreaders will be thoroughly engaged as they read the stories of these individuals-stories that are inspiring, filledwith passion, and reflective in nature. Indeed, we also believe that readers will gain unique pedagogical insightsinto the field and ample food for thought.The individuals selected for inclusion in the book are individuals who have made a major contribution regardingthe critical need to address social issues at all levels of schooling and beyond. All have dedicated a great amountof time, thought, energy, and commitment to creating powerful and pedagogically sound ways to teach aboutsocial and/or controversial issues. Many have done so for well over fortyyears.