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Teacher-Social Change Agent


Sociologists define social change as adjustments to interpersonal connections and interactions that alter cultural and social structures. These changes develop gradually and frequently have significant, protracted effects on society. Teachers are viewed as persons who can contribute to positive social change in many countries all over the world. They are regarded as the community's natural leaders who may offer guidance on a variety of issues Bourn (2016). Within our classroom, the students see the teacher as their role model. They look to the teachers for guidance in learning content and their overall holistic development. The teacher has the capability that can significantly impact their students success. Dr. Hattie explained that a teacher can determine a student's potential and mold that student to exceed their potential by setting high expectations. (W.R.D.S.B 2014). This finding highlights the significant role that teachers play as social change agents. As teachers facilitate students learning in the 21st-century classroom which consist of students from diverse cultural background, students with various learning challenges, and a learning environment that is highly driven by technology, research-based practices, and the use of data. Implementing these social changes requires educators to develop a growth mindset. Dr. Hattie poses the question “ Do you think achievement is changeable? “. (W.R.D.S.B 2014). A teacher who strives toward being a change agent, has to be flexible and willing to adjust to changes. As they model how well they accept and cope with changes and disappointments, they will be better able to motivate their students for them to realize they can achieve more than what they think they can achieve despite the challenges. Building students confidence and self-worth is a key factor to help them contribute to positive social change. It is feasible to have sustainable cities and politics, the good well-being and health for everyone if people have equitable access to opportunity, allowing them to realize their full potential to benefit themselves, their families, and others Schulz (2018).Dr. Hattie explains that passionate and excellent teachers know when their students can do better and they never accept what the students thought was good enough. (W.R.S.B, 2014) Educators can guide their students to exceed expectations. Educators are the driving force to positive social change.

Dewey, (2018) explains that the classroom is the locust for social change. Educators should prepare students to believe in their own ability to take positive steps for the benefits of society. Students developing decision making skills, integrity and responsible within the classroom fosters stronger societal fabric. The classroom, according to Dewey (2018), is the locust for social transformation. Teachers should encourage students to have faith in their own capacity to act responsibly for the good of society. In the classroom, students' growth in moral character, responsibility, and decision-making develops a stronger social fabric.

References

Dewey, (2018) How Teachers  Can Promote  Social Change in the classroom https://soeonline.american.edu/blog/how-teachers-can-promote-social-change-in-the-classroom

Bourn, D. (2016). Teachers as agents of Social change. International Journal of Development Education and Global Learning 7(3), 63-77 https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1167813.pdf

Schulz, W.C. (2018) Towards Social change leadership: Integrating UN SDGS & Walden Social Change Skills Curriculum framework. Walden University Center for social change ,1-4 https://content.waldenu.edu/content/dam/laureate/laureate-academics/wal/ms-educ/educ-6616-02app3hj/module-03/EDUC_6616_Schulz.pdf

WRDSB (2014). John Hattie: Teachers as change agent [ Video file] Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XWMAteuaks