ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author shows the inescapable connection between political forces and the role of a public-school teacher and makes the argument that it is the professional and ethical obligation of teachers to step into political spaces to advocate for their students and colleagues. She begins by examining the difference between individual and collective autonomy and the role of each in our professional responsibilities. Then, she shares examples of how teachers are using social media to organize and create communities of support for collective political action. The chapter explores how democracy is dependent on a flipped system in which the collective autonomy and expertise of teachers drives decision making in a flattened education hierarchy.
