Living the Flourish Question: Positivity as an Orientation for the Preparation of Teacher Candidates

• Main Authors: Sabre Cherkowski, Keith Walker
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Portland State University 2013-01-01
• Series: Northwest Journal of Teacher Education
• Online Access: http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/25274

In this article, the authors unpack taken-for-granted elements in a question central to their research and teaching: “What if the primary role of teachers is to learn how to thrive as educators and, in so doing, to continually co-explore and facilitate all means by which everyone in their learning communities flourishes most of the time?” As they explore a positive orientation to teaching and research, they work to understand the potential for generative and positive growth in themselves and school communities. Their article focuses upon seeking to create and sustain personal and professional flourishing at the heart of educational practice and consider how flourishing may be central to what it means to become a teacher.