“One of the greatest lessons of this powerful book is that teachers can make a life-defining difference in the lives of their students by teaching them to stand on the side of social justice. As the old adage says, ‘If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything.’ Social Studies for Social Justice will help teachers learn how to stand with their students for creative and life-affirming social change.”
—From the Foreword by Sonia Nieto, University of Massachusetts at Amherst

“Through powerful storytelling and classroom examples, Wade inspires all educators to take their teaching seriously—as ethical and intellectual work in the struggle to make a better world. This is a wonderful tool for all teachers who want to make a difference.”
—Mara Sapon-Shevin, Professor of Inclusive Education, Syracuse University

Dedication to social justice teaching is important; yet putting one’s ideals into practice in American schools is a challenging task. This book goes beyond theory and idealism to fully explore the value and impact of implementing social action and social justice activities in the elementary school classroom. Informed by the experiences of more than forty teachers across the country, this thoughtful resource:

• Examines how elementary teachers, from inner cities to rural towns, use the social studies curriculum to teach about and for social justice.
• Focuses on how teaching social studies for social justice relates to standardized testing, state curricula, and the local challenges teachers face.
• Offers classroom activities, “Reflection Exercises,” and “Teaching Ideas” to provide teachers with practical applications for the topics discussed.
• Includes a list of children’s literature books, curricular materials, and Websites.

Rahima C. Wade is professor of elementary social studies in the Department of Teaching and Learning, College of Education, at the University of Iowa. She was selected as the John Glenn Scholar for Service-Learning in Teacher Education.