English Education - Volume 34, Issue 3, 2002

Explores how a new teacher’s identity was affected when she attempted to enact a student-centered, i.e., liberal, pedagogy in a school district that was in the process of introducing a heavily scripted language arts curriculum tied to district standardized tests. Concludes that the frustration that the teacher felt was that the curriculum took over the role of planning.

Addresses theoretical underpinning of using genre reflections with student teachers. Shares examples of the student teachers’ work to illustrate types of reflection (and action) the multi-genre writing over a year and a half facilitated. Concludes genre reflections alone are not sufficiently grounded in classroom practice, and that tangible teacher change is better facilitated by combining genre reflections with action research.

Considers how practicing and prospective teachers might address the needs and capabilities of both female and male students. Notes that current projects of the Commission on Gender Issues in English Teacher Education of the National Council of Teachers of English will explore how teachers negotiate the demands of discussing literature in a diverse society.