Wounded Healer Leadership and Pedagogy

Session Type: Invited Speaker Session

Abstract

In a world grappling with grotesque educational inequities, this session is a profound exploration into the concept of “wounded healer.” This session draws its inspiration from the deep wellspring of the "Wounded Healers" Portrait Series – a national multimedia community storytelling project by the Acosta Institute. Rooted in the philosophy of the wounded healer, a concept stemming from Greek mythology and reimagined through the lens of modern leadership and education, this session beckons educators and leaders to embark on a journey of personal healing and transformation.
The wounded healer archetype, initially described by Carl Jung, symbolizes individuals who embrace their own wounds as a wellspring of compassion and empowerment to facilitate healing in others. This session interprets this archetype as a guiding light for navigating complex educational systems and as a catalyst for cultivating healing-centered pedagogies.
Through an engaging discussion, introspective dialogues, and insightful narratives, this session aspires to not only reframe the discourse around leadership and pedagogy but to also offer a blueprint for profound transformation. A diverse panel of thought leaders from various disciplines including education, psychology, public health, indigenous science, and the healing arts will converge to illuminate the intersections of healing, leadership, and education.
The panel’s focus is to invite participants into a transformative journey, where we will unravel how wounded healer leadership and pedagogy can be harnessed to foster healing, empowerment, and resilience in educators and learners alike. Together, we will explore how personal healing journeys fortify our capacity to create inclusive and transformative learning spaces for young people.
As we converge to discuss the "Wounded Healer Leadership & Pedagogy" in the context of the AERA National Conference's theme "Dismantling Racial Injustice and Constructing Educational Possibilities: A Call to Action," we offer this session as a source of inspiration and empowerment, encouraging educators, leaders, and practitioners to redefine their roles in education and reimagine possibilities for healing, equity, and transformation.

Sub Unit

• AERA Presidential Session

Chair

• Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz, Teachers College, Columbia University

Presenters

• Angel Acosta, Acosta Consulting

• Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Justine J. Lopez, University of Denver

• Maria Tan, Acosta Consulting LLC

• Ian Levy, Rutgers University

Discussant

• Maria Tan, Acosta Consulting LLC