The Struggle for the Soul of Teacher Education
Critical Social Thought Series

The Struggle for the Soul of Teacher Education is a much-needed exploration of the unprecedented current controversies and debates over teacher education and professionalism. Set within the context of neo-liberal education reforms across the globe, the book explores how the current struggles over teaching and teacher education in the US came about, as well as reflections on where we should head in the future. Zeichner provides specific examples of work that moves teacher education toward greater congruency between ideals and practices, while outlining the basis for a new form of community-based teacher education, where universities and other program providers, local communities, school districts, and teacher unions share responsibility for the preparation of teachers. Ultimately, Zeichner problematizes an uncritical shift to more practice and clinical experience, and discusses the enduring problems of clinical teacher education that need to be addressed for this shift to be educative.

Readers are sure to gain insight on transforming teacher education so it more adequately addresses the need to prepare teachers capable of providing a high-quality education with access to a rich and broad curriculum, and culturally and community responsive teaching for everyone?s children.

Series Editor Introductionby Michael Apple, Introduction 1. The struggle for the soul of teaching and teacher education in the US 2. Competition, economic rationalization, increased surveillance, and attacks on diversity: neo-liberalism and the transformation of teacher education in the US 3. Venture philanthropy and teacher education policy in the US: the role of the New Schools Venture Fund 4. Beyond knowledge ventriloquism and echo chambers: raising the quality of the debate in teacher education 5. Independent teacher education programs: aprocryphal claims, illusory evidence 6. Democratizing teacher education 7. Opportunities and pitfalls in the turn toward clinical experiences in US teacher education 8. Engaging and working in solidarity with local communities in preparing the teachers of their children 9. Developing professional capital in teaching through initial teacher education: comparing strategies in Alberta, Canada and the US 10. Advancing social justice and democracy in teacher education: teacher preparation 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0

Kenneth M. Zeichner is the Boeing Professor of Teacher Education at the University of Washington, USA.