The Abundance of Knowledge and the Shortage of Activism: Engaging in Academic Activism to Confront Teacher Certification Exams

Authors

  • Leslie Gates Millersville University of Pennsylvania

Keywords:

activism, public scholarship, social justice, teacher certification exams

Abstract

This article identifies teacher certification exams as a barrier to certification, especially for teacher candidates of color. The research process models activism as a necessary step in solcial justice research. Using the author's activist experience, the article serves as a model for mitigating immediate student needs while challenging larger structures that perpetuate inequalities.

Author Biography

Leslie Gates, Millersville University of Pennsylvania

Leslie Gates, Ph.D. is Associate Professor of Art Education at Millersville University of Pennsylvania, where she coordinates the undergraduate and graduate art education programs. She has taught visual art at the high school and elementary levels in both urban and rural contexts. Leslie's research interests are art educator's professional learning, assessment in the arts, and feminist and choice-based pedagogies. Her research, using participatory and feminist approaches, often means she is working alongside art educators to identify problems and work towards possible solutions. Leslie’s artistic practice includes artists books that explore and question the history and sacredness of objects and experiences. 

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Published

2019-05-28

Issue

Vol. 10 (2019)

Section

Special Issue: Social Justice 2018

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