Becoming

Author:

Brennan, Ann Elizabeth

Graduate Program:

Curriculum and Instruction

Degree:

Doctor of Philosophy

Document Type:

Dissertation

Date of Defense:

October 05, 2018

Committee Members:

Mark Thomas Kissling, Dissertation Advisor/Co-Advisor
Mark Thomas Kissling, Committee Chair/Co-Chair
Angiline Louisa Whitney, Committee Member
Dana Lynn Stuchul, Committee Member
Christopher Uhl, Outside Member

Keywords:

Education
Curriculum
Rooted Teaching
Place
Teacher Education

Abstract:

At the heart of the human condition is the struggle to know one’s self. There is beauty in this endless endeavor. It is full of fluid edges, moments of joy, glimpses of certainty, and innumerable defeats. It is magnificent and messy and continuous. But it’s worth the effort because knowing one’s self, even only partially or momentarily, is the most valuable understanding one can ever gather and the only way one can ever endeavor to understand and teach another. The struggle to know one’s self is central to human nature; the groundwork of teaching lies in understanding that same human nature. The teacher strives to measure the hills and valleys that have shaped the lives and learning of her students. In doing so, the teacher learns more about her unique self. Teacher and students travel together, walking each other home to self-understanding. This writing stories particular experiences of teaching and learning in particular places – both inside and outside of school – where I have gathered glimpses of the being I am becoming. It is rooted in the understanding that my being is shaped by the interweaving of places, experiences, and stories. I, in turn, shape places, experiences, stories, and other beings. My internal landscape mingles with the external landscape. Therefore, knowing who I am and where I am is requisite for good teaching. Through this writing, I endeavor to know myself – deeper, clearer, and better. Along the way, I’ll work through many ideas, but I will remain committed to understanding what it means to be me – here and now – in communion with a living world. As I write towards (momentary) understanding, I’ll consider how I live the truths of the being I am becoming in my daily learning and teaching. This is a story of a being becoming. A being, like you, who is never static; rather, a being who is continuously living, growing, shifting – becoming. Walk with me on this messy, yet beautiful journey of self-discovery – a journey home.