Reclaiming Agency and Belonging: Arts-Based Teacher Learning for Diverse, Joyful Classrooms

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 9:45 am - Gold 2
  In Roundtable Session: Reclaiming Education as a Humanizing Praxis through Reimagining

Abstract

This mixed methods study examines an equitable, arts-based professional learning course grounded in Critical Race Theory and Freirean Critical Pedagogy, designed to restore teacher agency and promote culturally sustaining, joyful classrooms amid curricular constraints. Eighteen white educators serving a culturally and linguistically diverse rural community participated. Data were collected through pre- and post-session surveys, interviews, written reflections, and implementation artifacts. Thematic analysis revealed that arts fostered inclusive, multilingual learning; project-based learning increased student engagement and ownership; and culturally responsive teaching required vulnerability and creative risk-taking. Teachers reported reimagining their roles as facilitators of student voice and belonging. Findings show that culturally affirming, arts-based professional learning can advance equity and social justice in diverse school districts.

Authors

• Kelly Joann Thelen, Southwest Minnesota State University

• Michela Carattini - Mays, Southwest Minnesota State University