The Activist Professional

Abstract

In this paper I present an argument for thedevelopment of a new form of teacher professionalism,which I refer to as activist professionalism. Ibriefly identify two types of professionalism,democratic professionalism and managerialprofessionalism which I argue have informed recentdebates about teacher professionalism. I indicate howan activist view of professionalism recasts thepolitical and professional roles of teachers in quitefundamentally different ways. At the core of theargument is the development of Anthony Gidden'snotions of `active trust' and `generative politics'.I indicate how these two ideas provide a conceptualand political basis to rethink the activities ofteachers and others working in the collectiveeducation enterprise. I draw on some recent schoolbased teacher research projects in which I have beeninvolved to develop and provide evidence for how thistype of professionalism can be achieved individuallyand collectively.