Purpose of Learning Social Justice 
By Brian C. Jackson
Middle School Social Studies & Grades 4-8 Social Justice Studies Teacher

At St. Elizabeth’s School, students come to the Social Justice classroom with their own perspectives and experiences, shaping their understanding of the subject. From the very first assignment, in which students define social justice through words and images, St. Elizabeth’s students often highlight issues that matter to them: Black Lives Matter, transgender rights, and LGBTQ+ allyship. These topics resonate deeply with young people today, and how policymakers and human rights advocates address them will profoundly impact the future these students envision.

Beginning in 4th grade and continuing through 8th, the Social Justice class goes beyond popular slogans and social media messages. The course aims to deepen students' understanding by examining both the visible, widely discussed issues and the less obvious injustices that shape society such as inequities in healthcare, housing, nutrition, and education. Students learn that the skills to address social justice issues are critical in today’s society.

By framing social justice through the lens of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, students at St. Elizabeth’s learn to see the class as more than just theory. They gain practical skills and experiences to help them identify, navigate, and address real-world challenges.

Goals and Outcomes
Through St. Elizabeth’s Social Justice curriculum, students:

• Analyze information, recognizing that justice varies across different contexts, communities, and timeframes.

• Identify challenges affecting both themselves and others.

• Choose a problem to address and develop a solution.

By the time they graduate from 8th grade, students will be able to:

• Clearly articulate their own thoughts.

• Listen deeply to others—not just to respond, but to understand.

• Build bridges between opposing viewpoints.

• Approach challenges with a solution-oriented mindset, not only dismantling systems that aren't working but also rebuilding them for the better.

We believe students can make a real impact when they have a voice at the decision-making table. Our goal is to empower them with the skills and confidence to claim that seat.

About the Author
Brian C. Jackson teaches Middle School Social Studies and Grades 4-8 Social Justice Studies at St. Elizabeth's School. Mr. Jackson holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and a Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Denver. At St. Elizabeth's, he is dedicated to advancing social justice education and ensuring the curriculum aligns with the school's mission and values.