Holding space for uncertainty and vulnerability: reclaiming humanity in teacher education through contemplative | equity pedagogy

Abstract

In this manuscript we describe our journey as two White coteachers conducting interpretive research with Black and Brown students in a remote-learning teacher preparation course in New York City. In the context of uncertainty, during the twin epidemics of COVID-19 and racial injustice, we explore how we reframed our contemplative pedagogy by embracing an equity-oriented framework. We share stories about moments of awakening drawn from spaces between us and our exceptional cohort of special education teachers – reflections about sensations, emotions, biases, and lived experiences as we embrace the identity of interbeing. Specifically, we explore transformations in our approach to process orientation, reflective journaling, heuristic methodology, and event-oriented inquiry as enacted in the course. We advocate for supporting faculty and students in contemplative enactments to build trust, relationship and communication essential for centering equity in response-able education.