This article operates under the assumption that social studies teachers must teach for democracy, as democracy is not something that occurs or maintains without citizens who have the capacities and demeanors for democratic renewal and growth. In an effort to argue for a democratic ethos towards schooling in general, and for social studies teachers in particular, this article problematizes "No Child Left Behind (NCLB)" and other forms of neoconservative and/or neoliberal reform efforts that prevent social studies teachers, and the schools housing them, from teaching towards democracy in the first place. This article closes with suggestions for changing the educational landscape so that social studies teachers have the freedom and support to educate for democracy.