Superheroes and Transformers: Rethinking Teach For America’s leadership models 

Many young children enjoy playing superheroes and Transformers. Often they can be found acting out fantasies in which they assume the identities of these all-powerful characters. The drama usually unfolds the same way: Villains use their power to abuse others until a bold, relentless protagonist uses novel talent and transformative strength to crush the evil forces. The hero/ine, motivated by a fierce sense of urgency, bravely resolves the victims’ plights — often by blowing up things and leaving a path of destruction in his/her wake as he/she metes out justice and order.