Claiming Teacher Voice through Personal Narratives: Exploring Teacher and Student Agency for Learning in Classrooms

AbstractAs demands increase for classroom teachers, they must not only meet and maintain expected ministry and board-wide standards, but also find a place for their own voices and their pedagogical visions and ideals. This study demonstrates that lived experiences and individual narratives play a crucial part in shaping teacher and student identities. Subsequently, this self identification within educational settings informs personally relevant experiences for teachers and students within various curriculum areas. As teachers find a place for their narratives within the pedagogical realm, they will gain a greater sense of agency to carry out their practice with greater significance. Similarly, as students' learning is shaped by the merit of their own experiences and interests, there will be greater investment in their learning both within the school community and beyond. Ultimately, when teachers and students recognize that they have choice in shaping their experiences within the education system, they feel valued and an increased sense of empowerment to commit their efforts in establishing and/or contributing to unique learning communities.M.A