In this chapter, the shifting roles of teachers are presented. In addition to discussing the feminization of the profession and the bureaucratization of education, the movement to standardize the profession is discussed. Reasons for teacher satisfaction and dissatisfaction are also explored. A historical overview of the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers and the roles they have played in the work lives of teachers is presented. Through the case study of Tom Mooney, the responsibilities of a union leader are explored. This chapter also discusses the current political issues faced by teachers and the stances that teacher unions have taken with regard to them.
Following the completion of this chapter:
The learner will be able to identify and discuss the provisions of the U.S. Constitution that impact the rights and responsibilities of teachers, schools, and students.
The learner will be able to describe the power of states to regulate education.
The learner will be able to identify and discuss issues related to religion and education and to compare and contrast educational practices that are constitutional with those that are unconstitutional.
The learner will be able to define the constitutional rights of teachers and the limitations that states may place upon these rights.
The learner will be able to define the constitutional rights of students and the limitations that states may place upon these rights.
The learner will be able to describe the constitutional issues involved in corporal punishment cases.
The learner will be able to identify and discuss the language rights of students.
The learner will be able to describe the inequities in school finance and discuss the reasons why legal remedies are a matter of state law.
