A new book edited by UW–Madison alumnus George Theoharis and John Rogers was released by Beacon Press on Aug. 25.

“Educating in Dangerous Times: A Call to Reenvision Public School in America” argues that a new and virulent strain of education politics is arising in this era and asks a central question:  How should we reenvision public schools and collectively create the public schools we need? 

The book features short, personal, and engaging chapters authored by leading education scholars who teach, study, and write about learning, school leadership, and the politics of education, including members of the UW–Madison School of Education community.

Mollie McQuillan and Kevin Lawrence Henry Jr., both faculty members in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis, contributed a chapter titled, “A Menace to Society: Anti-Trans, Anti-Democratic Education Policy.”

School of Education Dean Marcelle Haddix also contributed a chapter, “We’ve Been Here Before: Reflections on Being a Black Woman Leader in Education Today.”

The topics explored in the book range from from supporting marginalized youth and confronting the rise of authoritarianism to rethinking English language arts and mathematics instruction. Each chapter imagines a different future for public education and a path forward in its area of focus.

The book also highlights the educators, students, parents, and community leaders who are working to create more equitable, inclusive, and democratic schools that affirm every student’s value, foster safety and belonging, and support young people’s aspirations.

Theoharis earned his PhD in educational leadership and policy analysis from UW–Madison in 2004. He is now a professor of educational leadership and inclusive elementary/secondary childhood education in the Syracuse University School of Education.

Learn more about “Educating in Dangerous Times.”