Description
Book SynopsisTeaching with the Wind tackles the question, Can education for a Canadian civic spirituality bridge the sometimes incommensurable worldviews of faith-based schools and secular public schools? An affirmative answer is offered based on two foundations. First, that a national soul can be identified and thus serve as the content of spiritual education in Canada schools. Second, that a reconstructed approach to the contemplation-in-action method found in world religions and philosophy can provide an appropriate pedagogy for Canadian spiritual education. This book argues that education for civic spirituality is of paramount importance as Canada continues its transition from a Judeo-Christian and bicultural nation to a multi-faith and multicultural nation within a secular democracy. It offers a direction that would enrich religious and secular education systems as well as Canada as a whole.
Trade ReviewDallaire argues that spirituality is the middle ground between the secular and the religious and it is in this space that we can renew education… The author calls on teachers to engage in their own spiritual practices so that their teaching comes not just from the head but the soul. I am grateful that Michael Dallaire has shared his work and sensibilities with us in this book and I hope educators seriously explore this vision in their lives and work. -- John P. Miller, professor, The Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto
From the Foreword
Michael Dallaire has always shared his wisdom, personal experience, and rich spiritual knowing so as to open awareness and give modern voice to the universal quest for spirituality. In his latest book he shares his knowledge and experience in hopes to provide a clearer lens through which we can all recognize the value in building a strong foundation to nurture spirituality in Canadian education. -- Patricia McGarry Roberts, Ph.D., Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada
In this important book, Michael Dallaire explores the relationship between the Canadian soul and such aspects of nature as the wind. He also examines the concepts of inclusiveness, justice, compassion, and compromise as they relate to the Canadian soul. Dallaire explores both the positive and negative components of the Canadian soul and underscores the importance of finding balance. This book is for those teachers who sense that there is more to life than what is at first apparent; that the social, political, and spiritual dimensions of life cannot be ignored in the classroom; and that they are called to address the more component of their students’ education. Teaching with the Wind reflects postmodern reconstructive pedagogies that are full of hope Dallaire succeeds in identifying a Canadian soul and in offering pedagogical guidance to teachers implementing the contemplation-in-action method. For those individuals who want a deeper understanding of spirituality as a contemporary issue, this book provides further enlightenment. Regardless of one’s pedagogical preferences, Dallaire expands the reader’s knowledge and understanding of spirituality and describes an avenue for application that may arm Canada’s future citizenry with the ability to succeed in a secular and multifaith world. * Journal Of Education and Christian Belief *
Table of Contents
Part 1 Foreword Part 2 Acknowledgements Chapter 3 Introduction: The More of Teaching Chapter 4 Chapter One: Canadian Education and Spirituality Chapter 5 Chapter Two: Foundations of Spiritual Knowing Chapter 6 Chapter Three: Canadian Soul Chapter 7 Chapter Four: Engaged Spirituality Chapter 8 Chapter Five: Teaching the Path Chapter 9 Chapter Six: Teacher Formation Chapter 10 Chapter Seven: Spiritual Governance Chapter 11 Conclusion: Teaching with the Wind Part 12 Bibliography Part 13 Index
