Chapter 13: Novices Can: Essential Questions, Authentic Resources, and Backward Design

Rabbi Tarfon’s (c. 80–c. 110 CE) words capture the necessarily incomplete task of introducing social justice themes to middle school students, and urge teachers to dive in nonetheless. The work will not be completed under our watch, no matter how excellent the teaching. Middle schoolers are works in progress by any measure. Students move on to high school at the beginning stages of their language journeys and in various places with their understanding of social justice. Yet they are ready to delve into important topics of global interest. Rather than abandon this group as hopelessly unready for such topics or decide that the work is too nuanced for young people, teachers can instead aim to inspire each student to embark on a lifelong journey of perfecting the world and enjoy their company for a few steps along the way.