Educators' Stories of Learning: Critical Tools for Creating More Equitable Learning Environments for Our Students

• In Event: Teacher Dilemmas: Ethical Tensions and Craft of Conscience

Abstract

This presentation details a storytelling process for educators to engage in an archeological dive, to sift through the layers of their own histories to reflect on how they (and others) can become more critically engaged and transformative educators. Five current educators who span diverse physical and social locations reflect on the impact of the storytelling process on their teaching practice. We have found that, as educators, our past experiences with learning are reflected in our teaching and leadership philosophies, our pedagogical practices, and our relationships with students and colleagues, and the more we critically engage with these stories, the better prepared we are to create more equitable learning environments for our current and future students.

Authors

• Laura Colket, St. George's University

• Debbie Diana Devonish, University of Technology, Jamaica

• Antonia MacDonald

• Browning Michael Neddeau, California State University - Chico

• Sharon Ravitch, University of Pennsylvania