Of Loss and Light: Teaching in the Time of Grief (original) (raw)

The essay explores the intertwined experiences of grief and joy in the context of teaching and learning. The author reflects on personal loss, specifically the death of her mother, and how this has shaped her approach to pedagogy. The narrative emphasizes that classrooms can be spaces for multiple truths to coexist, highlighting the importance of care, self-expression, and the complexity of sharing stories in academic environments. Ultimately, the piece advocates for a philosophy of teaching that accommodates both joy and grief, suggesting that neither should overshadow the other in educational narratives.