Pairing Mindfulness and Social Justice

Taking a Step on the Path to Change

Abstract

This case study explores how teacher candidates responded to the inclusion of mindfulness practices in a course and how they understand mindfulness’ relationship to equity. Findings show that participants responded positively and connected presence activities to social justice in several ways: fostering mental health, addressing systemic inequities, facilitating classroom management, making connections to curriculum, and empowering students. The study demonstrates that pairing mindfulness and equity goals has important potential; however, this is only one step of many needed to recruit and retain a thriving teaching force that can work for equity in schools.