Chapter 7: Not All Terrorists: A Teacher Educator’s Approach to Teaching Against Islamophobia and for Religious Tolerance

While multicultural education is often emphasized in elementary teacher education, the notion of religious diversity is rarely addressed in spite of the undeniable influence religion has on the lives and everyday actions of many individuals. This chapter uses racial formation and anti-oppressive education as theoretical lenses to understand the development of Islamophobia post-9/11 and its destructive effects on Muslims and groups perceived to be Muslim, particularly within school settings. A brief history of Muslims in America situates this religious minority and their longstanding presence in the United States in spite of contemporary perceptions of Muslims as enemy terrorist Outsiders. A wide array of strategies and resources to recognize Christian privilege in school settings, promote religious tolerance and acceptance, and teach against Islamophobia are recommended for both teacher educators and elementary practitioners.