The teaching profession, equity and social exclusion. Challenges and answers

Abstract

This article considers a number of reflections concerning the teaching profession and how this impacts upon quality and equity in the educational systems of several Latin-American countries.
It begins by analyzing the role educational systems play in the economic development of states, as well as how these may promote social reproduction. Accordingly, the role teachers play in their professional development proves to be key to help students in lower classes to get rid of poverty and social exclusion. In this regard, the article suggests different formulae that may help education to become a cornerstone for social equity by taking into account popular education programmes and others inpired upon the new schooling movement.