An Exploration of Beginning Science Teacher Orientations Toward Social Justice: “What Does It Mean to Teach?”

Abstract

ABSTRACT In this exploratory qualitative case study, we sought to develop a better understanding of beginning teachers’ (Scholars) ideas about justice-oriented science teaching. Data were collected from participants from the same secondary teacher education program with an overarching mission of social justice. The study spanned two academic years, including a one-year Master of Education program and the first year of teaching. Data sources included periodic semi-structured individual interviews, lesson plans, and written reflections. Findings are presented as chronological themes indicating: 1) Scholars used their own identities as a starting point for constructing their justice-oriented practice; 2) Scholars’ learning about social justice in science education varied based upon their initial teaching goals; and 3) as first-year teachers, Scholars struggled to enact their justice-oriented goals within the classroom, which enhanced their sociopolitical awareness. The implications of this study point to attending to prospective teachers’ science epistemologies and promoting critique of science and science education, as well as awareness of the simultaneity of identities they bring to the teaching of science to achieve the transformative goals of justice-oriented science education.