Freedom and Power

This chapter introduces the virtuous pursuits of freedom and power and how they may connect to mathematics teaching in the elementary classroom. The chapter begins with a practical example involving freely exploring a multiplication task via different strategic pathways. Then underlying philosophies and research regarding how freedom and power have propelled human flourishing are presented. The chapter then presents how to build a classroom culture around these virtues as well as well as how to develop the core practice of mindfully managing power in the elementary mathematics classroom. The chapter concludes with an examination of responsive teaching practice, referred to as professional noticing, organized around an example task and interactions and reflective questions to guide teachers’ thinking in these areas.