Special Issue Launch - Reflecting on Freire: A praxis of radical love and critical hope for science education

Reflecting on Freire:
A praxis of radical love and critical hope for science education

Co-edited by Betzabé Torres Olave University of Leeds, Sara Tolbert University of Canterbury, Alejandra Frausto Aceves Northwestern University.

Editor's biographies: 

Betzabé Torres Olave: is a postdoctoral research fellow at the School of Education at the University of Leeds, and a former school physics teacher at INSUCO Valparaiso. Her research aims to critically debate how neoliberal agendas have shaped science education, looking for counternarratives to such a project in educators' daily practices through the concept of critical hope. This special issue aims to be a contribution to such an aim, in collaboration with Freirean friends, Sara and Alejandra, and a collective of educators in different corners of the world. This special issue is the result of collective joy which "is also revolutionary, like work and peace" (RD).

  Sara Tolbert is associate professor at the University of Canterbury, Faculty of Education in Ōtautahi Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand, former science and environmental teacher in NYC, Atlanta, Mexico, Guatemala. She feels fortunate to know and be in communication with colleagues like Betzabé and Alejandra–and to be part of a small but triumphant and joyful collective that is this special issue. It is through collectives like this one that reminds her not to get discouraged, to remember to pay attention, and to always bring an instrument (which can be the one inside your heart). Because together we can create beautiful music.

   Alejandra Frausto Aceves is a science teacher and educational leader currently working on a PhD in Learning Sciences at Northwestern University. Her research interests include transformative collective [science] learning, intergenerational & community-based co-constructions, imaginations, and praxis, as well as learning and pedagogies towards expansive and agentic present-futures.

The event will also have the participation of two authors of articles in the issue and closing remarks by the Head of the School of Education, Professor Vanessa Kind.  Drinks and snacks will be provided, and there will be an opportunity to chat with colleagues after the presentations.

Please click here to register your attendance on Eventbrite.  Please contact ccpp@leeds.ac.uk to inform us of any access or dietary requirements that you may have. We look forward to welcoming you to this event.