Additional information
by Manu Sharma (Author), Amanda Zbacnik (Author)
Given the constantly changing student demographics in our public schools, teacher educators are tasked with preparing teacher candidates with reflective and critical teaching insights for reaching the needs and identities of all of our students. The authors contend that teacher educators can use controversial case study narratives to help encourage reflective thought on the ethical decision-making teachers face in complicated and sensitive issues. Reflection can also help with practical insights on classroom management techniques, and development of problem-solving steps, that may need to be implemented. Outside of the classroom environment, these case studies provide an opportunity to reflect on professionalism and relational aspects of collaboration amongst colleagues. Thus, we wish to offer this short collection of 28 case studies for teacher educators. We will also include critical case study questions that follow the narrative, along with the additional resources such as two or three research-based articles that teacher educators can utilize to further support their teacher candidate students.
Author Biography
Dr. Manu Sharma, PhD is an Assistant Professor at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in the Teacher Education Department, where she currently teaches the required foundational courses for meeting the expectations of American Cultural Diversity which focus on equity and diversity issues in education. Dr. Sharma has previously taught a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses and supported field placements at Brock University, University of Toronto, and University of Windsor.
Dr. Amanda Zbacnik, Ed.D is currently an assistant professor at University of Wisconsin-Superior with vast experiences teaching special education in the public school setting. Dr. Zbacnik has worked with individuals having special needs in multiple disability categories: Intellectual Disabilities, Other Health Impairments, Emotional/Behavioral Disorders, Specific Learning Disabilities, Autism, and Multiple Disabilities.
