Teachers as Agents for Social Change

Over the years classroom teachers in the United States have taken on a wide variety of jobs that they were not taught in their  teacher preparation programs. These may have included duties such as hall monitor, test administrator, playground supervisor, and even surrogate parent.  But we need to add yet another responsibility to that list. One that is not in a teacher’s job description nor is it a part of pedagogical training-  that of child advocate and agent of change. Among the current criticism of teachers and college training programs today, the role of teacher advocacy is rarely mentioned.

During my tenure as a teacher, counselor and advisor I have seen teachers donate money for students' families, buy presents for Christmas, donate their time  volunteering in community causes, start scholarship programs, and even take children into their homes. There have been cases of teachers going into family court to advocate for their students rights.

Teachers are often on the front lines of child advocacy. They may notice an illness or injury before parents and send the student to the nurse. They may be the first to identify a learning disability and advocate for a learning and psychological evaluation so that student may be in the optimum position to achieve success in the classroom. They notice if a student is hungry or upset. 

Teachers too have often found themselves in the political arena lobbying for education funding, a new school building or academic programs that will enhance students’ opportunities to succeed. Some teachers even seek public office themselves.

Most teachers are inherent leaders and organizers. Their role as advocate for the student is just a logical progression from these qualities. These qualities are not taught in the university classroom so anyone who wishes to be a successful teacher should come to school prepared to be a leader, a volunteer and a fighter.