A Call to Action: JoBeth Allen, NCTE’s 2012 Outstanding Educator in the Language Arts

This article is a tribute to JoBeth Allen, recipient of the Elementary Section’s 2012 award for Outstanding Educator in the English Language Arts. Each year, this award recognizes a distinguished educator who has made major contributions to the field of language arts in elementary education. This article was written by second-grade teacher and former member of the Elementary Section Steering Committee, Carmen Tisdale, in tribute to Professor Allen’s lifelong dedication to children, families, teachers, and the transformation of schools to address the strengths and needs of students most marginalized. The article is organized around major aspects of JoBeth’s call to action as she urges us to teach for social justice, helping us understand the power of critical pedagogies in the lives of students.