ABSTRACT

In this chapter, the author provides a series of ruminations and poems for inviting readers to reflect on poetic possibilities for conceiving and fostering the well-being of teachers. He invites both new and experienced teachers to consider the significance of a phrase like “living poetically.” Poetry emphasizes the performative and creative activity of language, the ways we not only reveal identity and understanding, but the ways we also engage constantly in constituting and reconstituting our sense of identity and understanding. By writing about our experiences, and ruminating on those experiences, and interpreting those experiences, we can become more effective teachers, as well as teachers motivated by more joy and hope. The author offers several ruminations on why poetry is important for researching and practicing education, for understanding and revitalizing education. Poetry engages with language, nurtures the inner life, acknowledges the particular and local, encourages to listen to our hearts, fosters flexibility and trust, and invites creativity and creative living.