Saskatchewan Teacher Activists’ Perceptions of Union and Grassroots Activism

Authors

  • Trudy Keil University of Regina

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/ce.v16i2.187034

Keywords:

neoliberalism, teacher unions, grassroots activism, assemblages, affect theory, photo-elicitation

Abstract

Amid the global neoliberal assault on public education, teachers and their unions are called upon to resist detrimental educational reforms (Apple, 2006). Employing photo elicitation focus groups, this paper explored ten X teacher activists’ perceptions of their political resistance to neoliberalism both within their union and beyond. Utilizing a comparative case study approach (Bartlett & Vavrus, 2017), the study employed Harding et al.’s (2018) poststructural framework of alliances, assemblages, and affect to analyze teachers’ intellectual and emotional perceptions. Intellectually, teachers agreed that the teacher union was less responsive than grassroots activism because of a diverse membership and legislative requirements. Teachers expressed that, despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles, they valued equity, activism, mentoring, and group collectivity. Emotionally, teachers exuded feelings of anger and isolation, but also hope and empowerment rooted in learning. Featuring teachers' metaphorical interpretations, this paper delves into teachers’ affective understandings of their activism as a potential antidote to neoliberalism.

Author Biography

Trudy Keil, University of Regina

Trudy Keil (she/her) is a PhD candidate and dedicated public-school teacher examining teacher activism as resistance to neoliberal policies (e.g., privatization, standardization) in education. Supervised by Dr. Pamela Osmond-Johnson, her SSHRC-funded doctoral research includes interviews and focus groups with ten Saskatchewan teacher activists who advocate for equitable public education both within their union and beyond through social movements. Using post-structural theories of alliances, assemblages, and affect, Trudy explores the intellectual and emotional aspects of activism, aiming to inspire hope for a more compassionate society.

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Published

2025-04-30

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 2 (2025)

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Trudy Keil

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