Researching and Teaching Social Issues

Researching and Teaching Social Issues: The Personal Stories and Pedagogical Efforts of Professors of Education, then, is comprised of original personal essays in which some notable teacher educators of late delineate the genesis and evolution of their thought and work vis-a` -vis the teaching of social issues. In relating their personal stories, the authors were asked to discuss among other issues those individuals and/or scholarly works that have most influenced them and how, their own aspirations in the field, the frustrations they have faced, their perceptions of the field, their major contributions, and their current endeavors. Our goal was that each and every story be as informative, instructive, and engaging as possible. We believe that readers will be thoroughly engaged as they read the stories of these individuals-stories that are inspiring, filled with passion, and reflective in nature. Indeed, we also believe that readers will gain unique pedagogical insights into the field and ample food for thought. The individuals selected for inclusion in the book are individuals who have made a major contribution regarding the critical need to address social issues at all levels of schooling and beyond. All have dedicated a great amount of time, thought, energy, and commitment to creating powerful and pedagogically sound ways to teach about social and/or controversial issues. Many have done so for well over forty years.

Samuel Totten is professor of curriculum and instruction at the College of Education and Health Professions, University of Arkansas. His research interests include the Holocaust, genocide education, and genocide theory. He is the co-founding editor of Genocide Studies and Prevention: An International Journal, co-editorof theJournal of African Conflicts and Peace Studies, and editor of the Transaction series on Genocide Studies. His numerous books include Plight and Fate of Women During and Following Genocide; Century of Genocide: Critical Essays and Eyewitness Accounts; and Genocide in Darfur: Investigating Atrocities in the Sudan.