Considering the Role of the Teacher: Buber, Freire and Gur-Ze’ev

Abstract

This article considers three different concepts of the role of the teacher.  Buber understands the teacher as the builder-teacher of a dialogical community playing a fundamental role in the character formation of individuals.  Freire develops this notion, adding a political tinge, and argues for a political-teacher who plays a central role in the formation of critical individuals and in the liberation of the oppressed.  Gur-Ze’ev is critical of Freire and defends the improviser-teacher, who is always critical and encourages criticisms, but without reference to utopias.  The article compares and assesses critically these concepts of the role of the teacher; and indicates the implications of adopting them, not only for education, but also for society more generally.