Educating for Social Justice ─ Transformative Experiential Learning

According to the NASW Code of Ethics, "social workers should challenge social injustice." Educating for Social Justice approaches this tenet head-on, defining it and offering numerous strategies to prompt student reflection and awareness of social justice in their own practice. Educating for Social Justice is a vital resource for instructors and practitioners alike as they work to better incorporate key values of social work into practice. The editors include an overview of social justice theories, practitioner-tested national and international ideas about incorporating social justice into educational experiences within and outside of the classroom, and offer "how-to" guides for instructors to replicate and build on the ideas presented.

Julie Birkenmaier, (PhD, University of Missouri-St. Louis; MSW, St. Louis University) is associate professor and director of Field Education at Saint Louis University School of Social Work. Her publication topics include social justice, field education, and financial credit and low-income families.

Ashley Cruce, (MA, University of Kentucky at Lexington; MSW, Washington University in St. Louis) is currently assistant director of Field Education at Hunter College School of Social Work in New York City. Previously, she served as director of the Doerr Center for Social Justice Education and Research in the School of Social Work at Saint Louis University for five years. Her teaching, scholarly interests, and publications have focused on social justice education, international social work, field education, community/university partnerships, and community development in the United States and East Africa.

R. Jan Wilson, (PhD, St. Louis University; MSW, Wayne State University) has worked as a professional social worker for over 25 years. She joined the School of Social Work faculty in 1996 as a member of an innovative field education team and a specialist in family practice and school social work. Her research interests include issues of educational equity and multicultural competence in higher education.

Jami Curley, (PhD, Washington University in St. Louis; MSW, Washington University in St. Louis), is assistant professor of social work at St. Louis University. She teaches in the areas of family and community practice. Curley's research interests include the social-economic development of low-income families using strength-based strategies.

Ellen Burkemper, (PhD, St. Louis University; MSW, Washington University in St. Louis), is associate professor of social work at St. Louis University, where she also serves as chairperson of the MSW Family Concentration Committee. She teaches in the areas of ethics and family practice.

John Stretch, (PhD, Tulane University; MSW Washington University in St. Louis; MBA, St. Louis University), is professor of social work at St. Louis University. He has been an advocate for the homeless for over 30 years and has served as a consultant for the National Coalition for the Homeless.