As School Begins: Questions All Education Majors Should Ask Their Professors

You're an education major; you have a right to information on your school's and professors' K12-related  policy stances and how they might affect the education you receive. Edustank wants you informed and hopes the guide below helps.

So, you're an education major and an aspiring K12 public school teacher, eh? Good for you! To be the best you can be, keep yourself informed about current education policies and efforts to transform American public schools. What you find might inspire you, surprise you, or even help you revision your life- and career goals. 

Below are 13 (mas o menos) questions to ask of your professors, especially those directly involved in your preparation as a teacher, about the current state of K12 education reform and how your college's decisions and values are driving the kind of education for which your tuition dollars pay. The list isn't exhaustive, but it's a great start. Feel free to add other worthy questions in the comments and/or send me professors' replies via the "Contact" button to the right of this post. 

What are you doing to combat the privatization of public education in American schools?

What are you doing to actively fight against implementation and continuation of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS)?

      Will we discuss CCSS in this class, and, if so, will that class include a multitude of perspectives on it, especially those from career educators and teacher educators? Will we discuss the competing versions of who created the standards, how they came about, and who was and was not part of the conversation? Will we contextualize CCSS in relation to Race to the Top and No Child Left Behind?

     Of what professional organizations are you a member, and what are their stances on ed reform and CCSS?

      If the professional organizations of which you are a member stand in opposition to your stances regarding corporate/political ed reform, privatization, charter schools, and CCSS, why do you remain a member?

      In what ways have you gained or stand to gain by supporting CCSS and other affiliated ed reform policies; opposing them; staying quiet about your opposition to them even though you oppose them; remaining in professional organizations and establishments (including this university); or speaking out about CCSS and the ed reform movement?   

How did we do on the latest National Council of Teacher Quality report, and how was our ranking/score on that report reflective of the department and/or university’s positions on CCSS?         

                            

If you are an untenured professor or non-tenure stream teacher, do you fear for your livelihood if you speak out against corporate ed reform? Why or why not?

     Will we discuss Teach for America’s growing role in corporate education reform?

     Can you point me to resources to help me grow my thoughts on current ed policy actions?

     (For secondary ed majors) What should I ask my content area professors regarding their thoughts on CCSS and corporate ed reform,  and how should I react if I find a schism of ideologies between the Education school and my content area’s home department?

       Is it possible for me to have agency and advocacy for children based on how I am positioned regarding my opinions on corporate ed reform? How can my stances on CCSS and privatization affect my ability to gain employment as a K12 educator?

       Do you believe CCSS and current corporate/government reform efforts hinder or expand democracy, social justice, and equity in schools and society? Explain.