Teachers as Political Actors: From Reproductive Theory to the Crisis of Schooling

Abstract

Critical theories of education, in focusing on the social reproductive function of school systems,often fail to emphasize the potential of teachers as agents of educational and social change. Dennis Carlson criticizes this tendency as he reviews and analyzes the treatment of teachers in influential forms of critical theory. In laying the basis for a view of teachers as an important force for transformative change in the schools, the author also reviews the historical development of teachers' professional and trade-union movements, locating them in a general analysis of U.S. work culture. He argues that since teachers are victims of the current system of public education, their collective interests as workers are more compatible with transformative than with merely reformist change.

On the Shopfloor: Exploring the impact of teacher trade unions on school-based industrial relations

“…High figures for the NUT also reflect its historical commitment to a type of industrial unionism which has always placed a premium on workplace organisation (Carlson 1987). This contrasts with the differing historical traditions of a union such as the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL), based more closely on a model of 'professional unionism' (Heery & Kelly 1994).…”

Instructional communication research: A master syllabus for a graduate seminar

“…Instead, she offers a compel-210-DARLING ling argument and plea for serious critical work to begin. Her essay might be coupled with a similar essay from education, perhaps Carlson's (1987) on necessary reform in research on the teacher, and/or another Sprague (1990) essay in which she provides an example of how critical theory is applied in instructional communication research. 2…”

Social movements and the transformation of teachers’ work: case studies from New Zealand

“…Any discussion of trade union activity as a movement representing workers' rights as a class needs to be historically and critically sensitive to the way working-class and union (-ization) movements have been coopted and corrupted by management, and especially so in the current phase of monopoly capitalism. However, despite the fact that union leaders have, in Mills's words, often served as 'managers of discontent', the potential always exists that trade unions might become political (Carlson, 1987).…”

“…In suggests, the legitimization crisis leads to a motivation crisis in students, so that even intrinsic rewards, such as favourable relationships with students, are lost. Carlson (1987) suggests that factors such as these tend to push teachers towards industrial unionism and direct confrontation with the capitalist state, which fact draws them closer to an identification with the political interests of a broad working-class movement.…”