(Re)Active Praxis: Centering Care and Humanization in Difficult Conversations

Grounded in theories of care and humanizing pedagogy, in this praxis piece, two teacher educators explore strategies to navigate complex, polarizing topics in educational settings. Drawing on examples such as facilitating “listening arguments” and welcoming discomfort in critical reflection, educators are encouraged to resist binaries and promote understanding of diverse perspectives. Through care and humanization, educators can create spaces where disagreements become opportunities for growth, healing, and deeper civic engagement, even in restrictive educational environments.