Developing Teacher Candidates’ Professional Advocacy Skills Through Persuasive Storytelling

Abstract

In this article, a structure for how to craft persuasive stories is provided (i.e., the Narrative Policy Framework tenets of: establishing a plot, casting a set of characters, and highlighting a clear moral) and is integrated into a learning exercise/assignment outline alongside a sample evaluation tool. Possibilities to extend the learning exercise/assignment are also provided, including peer assessments of persuasiveness as well as reflecting on the experience of sharing persuasive stories with intended audiences. Also shared are teacher candidates’ testimonials on the value of the persuasive storytelling learning exercise/assignment for developing their capacity to effectively advocate for change within their current and future educational roles.