Living Contradiction: A Teacher's Examination of Tension and Disruption in Schools, in Classrooms and in Self

2017 | Biography

Describes how one teacher lost himself in his rigid commitment to uphold standards, and his research to find a better way. Values are in vogue in education: they are stated in school policies across the land. Amidst the reality of classroom life, however, the very best of intentions can be compromised in the name of professionalism and effectiveness. Sean Warren, an experienced and successful teacher, became a living contradiction as the insidious influence of power, responsibility, pressure and stress came to bear. His espoused values were habitually incongruent with his practice, as he adopted a persona infused with control and intolerant of disorder. Then, engaging in a process of reconceptualisation with his mentor Stephen Bigger, grappling with both the philosophical and the pragmatic, he began to explore how he could learn to be authentic - without compromising standards or authority. This book documents his journey through his action research project and investigates the efficacy of his modified approach. In quelling the incessant demands imposed by tension and disruption, he redefined what it meant for him to become a classroom leader: 'confident in uncertainty'.

Sean Warren (Author)

Stephen Bigger (Author)