Being “Badass”

Abstract

This article focuses on a case study of the Badass Teachers' Association, the largest nationwide teacher activist organization in the United States. The theoretical framework of social movement theory and community organizing provides a structure upon which to better understand the organization. Ten members of leadership participated in this study, which utilized a series of three interviews focusing on different aspects of leaders' beliefs and the role of the organization, while document analysis provided historical context for the development and evolution of the organization. Two themes—strength of identity and role of the organization—were found in the analysis of the data. The importance of the organization in furthering teachers' voices and expanding the organization's influence is discussed in the findings.