Math That Matters reflection

This article was, I thought, very interesting.  It approaches mathematics from a social justice perspective.  This idea is not unlike ideas presented in other classes, whereby teachers might introduce social justice in all school classes.

My opinion regarding this matter might be somewhat controversial.  Following discussions I've had with students from other classes, I feel that teachers should not become political ideologues.  Although social justice certainly has a place in the curriculum, and ought to form the perspective of the teacher and of the students, I am wary about actually regimenting it so that it is the basis of the educational approach.  That is not to say, however, that I disagree with applying any of David Stocker's ideas in the classroom.  What I am hesitant to agree with, however, is when David Stocker speaks about applying these ideas in the classroom even to the disagreement of the parents.  I am a supporter of the idea that parents are the primary educators of their children, and I think that, despite the good intentions of teachers, a political approach to education would ultimately be too narrowing.  Children are more than political entities whose potential depends on how much they might change or influence society in the future.  As a teacher, I will be dedicated to forming individual students, not for the sake of political ideals, but for their sake.