Yogi Berra and the art of public affairs teaching

Abstract

A 25 retrospective on Journal of Public Affairs Education (JPAE) reveals clear evolution and differences in issues of interest to public affairs teachers. Historical contingency and circumstances impact what should be taught. But there are also constants – repeated and recurrent themes that transcend time, authors, and editors. As the longest serving editor-in-chief or co-editor for Journal of Public Affairs Education (JPAE) for nearly eight years, I learned a lot by reading the article submissions, and among the constants are the three themes – change, crisis, and continued belief in a single best way to teach or do things. This article reflects on these three themes and what they mean for the teaching and practice of public administration and affairs.