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Author Biographies

Dr. Finney Cherian
Dr. Cherian is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Education at the University of Windsor. He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in Literacy and Instructional design. His research interests are Social Justice, Critical Literacy and Preservice Teacher Education. Dr. Cherian earned his Ph.D. from the University of Toronto.

Syed Ali Nasir Zaidi, PhD Candidate
Syed Zaidi works as an instructor for St. Clair College for Applied Arts and Technology. He has Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Economics, and Master of Arts in English Literature and in Education. Not only does he have an extensive teaching background in Language Arts teaching in multiple international locations, but he also has proclivity for writing, reading and listening to educational podcasts. Currently he is involved in a Professional Development School project and also pursuing his PhD from the University of Windsor in educational studies.

Abstract

We create deep connections with our surroundings, people and societies, and classrooms are one of such deep connections. Classrooms are spaces where the unfulfilled dreams and painful experiences of teachers and students can fester and estrange classrooms from being places of justice and hope. The absence of justice, healing and hope estranges public education of many of its democratic ideals and promises. We believe that teachers and students can heal together to deconstruct their experiences with oppression and envision new ways of coexisting with others and personally transform. Influenced by the work of Bell Hooks and Parker Palmer we offer a framework of “Deep Connections” that uncover the hidden wholeness of classroom communities devoted to peace, freedom and justice where what Tricia Hersey says, “we are born to heal, to grow”. This is what Nipsey Hussle’s deep connections to community beseeches as “the marathon continues” in our colonized lives.

Publication Date

8-2025

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