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WHO IS THE TEACHER-SOCIAL CHANGE AGENT?

The 21st-century classrooms are becoming more and more diverse. Therefore, teachers must become change agents who promote social change within and outside of the classroom. Social change is defined as alterations in interpersonal dynamics that alter cultural and social structures. These alterations take place gradually and frequently have significant long-term effects on society (Wagoner & Power, 2021).

Teacher-Social Change Agent

Teachers are essential to implementing successful changes in education, according to van der Heijden et al. (2015). An educator who actively promotes social change and works to reform their classrooms, schools, and society at large are known as teacher-social change agents (Bourn, 2016). They are regarded as change agents who may affect significant and long-lasting changes in attitudes, behaviors, and systems, not just as persons who disseminate knowledge (Brown et al., 2021). Schulz (2018), who emphasizes the inclusion of social change competencies and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the curriculum, supports the idea that teachers can act as change agents. This demonstrates how crucial it is to give teachers the knowledge and abilities they need to effectively handle global concerns and enable their students to actively participate in social change.

Characteristics of Teacher as Agent of Change

Van der Heijden et al. (2015) list a few qualities that make teachers effective change agents, including lifelong learning (being eager to learn and reflective), mastery (giving guidance, being accessible, positive, committed, trustful, and self-assured), entrepreneurship (being innovative and feeling responsible), and collaboration (being collegial).

According to Bourn (2016), teachers as change agents can be identified in three distinct locations: within the classroom, within the wider school, and in society.

Teacher as Agent of Change in the Classroom

Min et al. (2022) explain that the academic, social, and emotional growth of a student is influenced by teachers as agents of change. Teachers cultivate a setting that promotes social justice, transformative learning, and critical thinking. They create a welcoming environment where students can gain a greater grasp of global issues like poverty and sustainability and are encouraged to take action to solve these problems (Bourn, 2016). Furthermore, teachers have an impact on students of all ages and cultural backgrounds. More importantly, teachers in the classroom hold students to high standards and think that student progress is changeable. Teachers can act as catalysts for transformative change by encouraging a growth attitude and pushing students to go beyond their perceived limits (Waterloo Region District School Board, 2014).

Teacher as Agent of Change in the School

Teachers have a key role in fostering a positive school climate and culture in the larger environment of the school (Bourn, 2016). To encourage social change, equity, and inclusivity, they may participate in group projects like school-wide projects. By serving as role models for civic engagement and social responsibility, they encourage students to become changemakers themselves. For instance, Warfield committed herself to improving the learning environment and academic achievement at Frick Middle School despite initially having no plans to pursue a career as a teacher. She demonstrates the traits of a teacher-social change agent through her passion, high expectations, and commitment to student success (Baron, 2013).

Teacher as Agent of Change in Society

Teachers as change agents extend their influence beyond the school and into society. They are recognized as leaders who can drive community engagement, participate in advocacy efforts, and contribute to policy discussions related to social issues (Bourn, 2016). Their role as agents of social change is not limited to the educational setting but extends to the broader societal context.

Conclusion

In conclusion, educators who actively support social change in their classrooms, schools, and communities are referred to as "teacher-social change agents." They encourage critical thinking, transformative learning, and social justice, and their influence goes beyond conventional educational methods. In addition, teachers, as change agents, play a critical role in establishing a more just and sustainable future by encouraging students to participate actively in societal change.

                                        References

Baron, K. (2013). Woman who never intended to teach now praised as California teacher of the year. EdSource. https://edsource.org/2013/woman-who-never-intended-to-teach-now praised-as-california-teacher-of-the-year/32278

Bourn, D. (2016). Teachers as agents of social change.Links to an external site. International Journal of Development Education and Global Learning, 7(3), 63–77. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1167813.pdf

Brown, C., White, R., & Kelly, A. (2021). Teachers as educational change agents: What do we currently know? findings from a systematic review [version 1; peer review: 2 approved]. Emerald Open Research, 3(26). https://doi.org/10.35241/emeraldopenres.14385.1

Min, M., Lee, H., Hodge, C., & Croxton, N. (2022). What empowers teachers to become social justice-oriented change agents? influential factors on teacher agency toward culturally responsive teaching. Education & Urban Society, 54(5), 560–584. https://doi.org/10.1177/00131245211027511

Schulz, W. C. (2018). Towards social change leadership: Integrating UN SDG's & Walden's social change skills curricular framework. Walden University Center for Social Change, 1-14.

van der Heijden, H. R. M. A., Geldens, J. J. M., Beijaard, D., & Popeijus, H. L. (2015). Characteristics of teachers as change agents. Teachers and Teaching: Theory and Practice, 21(6), 681-699.

Wagoner, B., & Power, S. A. (2021). Social change. In: The Palgrave Encyclopedia of the Possible. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-98390-5_143-1

Waterloo Region District School Board. (2014, August 29). John Hattie: Teachers as change agents. [Video file]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XWMAteuaks