Social justice education is a complex concept that requires careful planning and consideration before implementation. According to Learning for Justice, social justice education “works against greed, selfishness and hatred and toward generosity, mutuality and love.” It involves “knowledge of different groups’ histories, experiences, ways of making meaning and values…”
Education leaders who want to usher in an era of social justice education in their schools will need a transformative academic experience like the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) – Educational Leadership online program at Youngstown State University (YSU).
Students can complete this fully online program in as few as 32 months and gain the skills to become education leaders (like faculty members, development directors, HR directors and agency executive directors) who drive social justice. The program helps graduates “develop and maintain a supportive, equitable, culturally responsive and inclusive district culture” necessary for social justice education.
Here are some essential considerations for education professionals eager to introduce social justice education at their schools.
What Is Social Justice Education?
The concept of social justice education is a complex issue. Far too frequently, attempts to incorporate social justice pedagogy only occur during training or professional development sessions or after tragic events spark public conversations. To truly implement social justice education, teachers and administrators must take an intersectional view of education in which all students feel visible.
According to Crystal Belle, the director of teacher education at Rutgers University-Newark, “Seeing students requires teachers to recognize them as valuable contributors to the classroom space, as opposed to social, cultural, and academic burdens on the so-called master in the room — the teacher.”
To fully embrace social justice pedagogy, teachers must acknowledge the challenges faced by students in economically disadvantaged school districts, many of whom are part of minority groups. Furthermore, educators should use school curricula as a tool to eliminate the inequalities inherent in America’s politicized educational system.
Why Is Social Justice Education Important?
There are many benefits to a pedagogical model that incorporates social justice education. Students gain a greater understanding of power dynamics, develop respect for cultures different from their own and learn how to affect positive change in their communities. Ultimately, social justice education is “a way of teaching and being that supports high-level thinking and learning throughout our lives.” Some of the benefits include:
- Transforming the classroom into a collaborative community
- Creating a safe space for applying academic knowledge to real-world problems
- Increasing students’ ability to tell the difference between facts and opinions
Strategies for Implementing Social Justice Education at Your School
Education leaders who decide to incorporate social justice education into school culture and curriculum should consider some important steps to increase chances for success. Here are three key strategies that could prove incredibly helpful:
- Be aware of who your students are and where they come from: Teachers must build trust with students by learning and understanding more about them and their cultures. Students are unique individuals who have faced their own personal challenges in life and education.
- Be prepared to acknowledge and confront your own biases: Everyone holds conscious or unconscious biases. Rather than pretend they don’t exist, confront your prejudices to understand and overcome them and become a stronger social justice educator.
- Create an environment where students feel safe questioning everything: You can’t employ a social justice model for education without allowing students to form their own opinions about their school culture — or even the classroom environment. Educators should encourage students to ask questions and think critically about their surroundings. Successfully integrating social justice education into your curriculum requires careful planning and skilled leadership.
YSU’s online Ed.D. – Educational Leadership program prepares graduates to be well versed in community well-being and social justice, thanks to various courses. The Perspectives on Leadership Among Diverse Populations course focuses on group cultural diversity and organizational practices informed by diversity. The Building Organizational Culture & Community Partnerships course emphasizes how to meet a school community’s cultural and environmental needs through organizational, cultural and community partnerships.
A post-graduate education degree in educational leadership can prepare education professionals to propel their careers as culturally sensitive leaders who drive social justice.
Learn more about Youngstown State University’s online Doctor of Education – Educational Leadership program.
