On Cocoons, Consciousness, and Courage: Preparing Justice-Oriented Teacher Educators Through Critical Pedagogies

Abstract

In this article, we share findings from a 3-year project in which novice teacher educators participated in Freirean culture circles and Boalian Theatre of the Oppressed (teatro) in order to critically explore the work of justice-oriented teacher education. Anchored in one of the project’s most resonant scenarios, the article illustrates how teatro cultivated among participants courage to confront injustice, while also shedding light on the complexities teacher educators may face when attempting to facilitate teacher learning, particularly when such learning is centered on equity and justice.

Key words:

• critical pedagogy
• equity
• justice
• teacher education
• teacher educator preparation.

Acknowledgments

We acknowledge the extraordinary community with whom we engaged for almost three years in Freirean culture circles and Theatre of the Oppressed. Although only three names are listed as the coauthors of this article, the understandings expressed in the article grow from the community’s collective knowledge, sensemaking, and commitments and therefore cannot accurately be considered ours exclusively. The love, wisdom, and inspiration that emerged from this community continue to sustain our spirits as we struggle individually and collectively to make the world a more just and equitable place.

Additional information

Funding

Funding was provided by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia; Horizon 2020 Framework Programme.