Introduction to the Special Issue on Re-imagining the Multiple Missions of the Community College.

This document introduces a special issue of the Teachers College Record that focuses on practitioner-based research in community colleges. Community colleges play a significant role in the United States, enrolling a large percentage of undergraduate college students. The authors discuss the challenges faced by community colleges in balancing the demand for equality with the limitations of a capitalist economy. The special issue aims to provide a deeper understanding of community colleges by showcasing research-based initiatives and the experiences of practitioners. The articles cover topics such as student programs, creative pedagogy, student learning, and institutional possibilities and pitfalls for community college success. Another section of the document explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on teaching and learning in community colleges, highlighting pedagogical approaches, structural barriers faced by students, and institutional responses for success. The authors emphasize the importance of recognizing the talent and dedication of community college faculty and hope that the articles contribute to reimagining the community college in the post-pandemic era. [Extracted from the article]