Research in social education over the last forty years has broken new ground in such areas as historical understanding, civic education, cultural studies, and curriculum and assessment. This collection is comprised of reflections on the professional trajectories of nineteen leading social studies scholars. Demonstrating that their professional interests have emerged from their autobiographies, the scholars write about their personal influences, professional choices, and contributions. The book reveals how social justice, difference and diversity, and a commitment to the ongoing project of democracy have been central to their work. The chapters in this volume reveal leading social educators’ determined sense of urgency about making the world a better place through their leadership in the field.

Each essay provides students, practitioners, and researchers alike with background on the nineteen scholars. Also, the scholars provide lists of their favorite publications as well as the works of other scholars that influenced them. Taken together, the chapters in this volume offer thoughts on the past, present, and future of social studies.