Using Poetry and Disability Memoir to Explore Veteran Teachers' Emerging Awareness of Ableism

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session Six
  In Roundtable Session: Exploring Teachers' Attitudes and Perspectives Toward Ableism and Inclusion (Table 14)

Abstract

This poetic inquiry explored how veteran teachers reframed and reformed their identities during a professional development series that utilized poetic inquiry and disability memoir to investigate ableism, its impact on students, and how teachers developed inclusive mindsets. The focus of this session is to share the impact reading a disability memoir had on teachers’ perceptions of their teacher identities and practices. The findings are shared through a transcription poem from a book club discussion, which highlights how deeply ableism is embedded in teachers’ beliefs. The poems shared capture how difficult the initial steps are on teachers’ journeys towards embracing inclusive mindsets.

Author

• Kerry Cormier, Rowan University
  Presenting Author