Acknowledging the Power of Differences

Different View @ Differences

When we see them as

a threat

Physical differences Cultural differences Religious

differences

What the other is What you are not

The basis of identity?

Male 37 years old Brown hair 1 m 83 cm Belgian Married Father of two

children Teacher Likes to read Catholic

Debate in Flanders:• Inclusive Education• Separate Special

Needs Education

Debate in Flanders: Religious symbols

• at school• in public life

Diversity as a threat for social cohesion?

Differences as an opportunity• to grow• to become human• to be yourself

Differences as a challenge• to grow• to become human• to be yourself

Describe your “essential feature”• Workaholic (according to my children)

Explain why this is essential for you• Want to do it right

Compare with your neighbour(s)• Is your identity questioned by theirs?• How and why?

Short plenum

Research Project Catholic Schools in FlandersResearch Project Catholic Schools in Flanders

Personal Identity

Professional IdentityInstitutional Identity

Is it possible for teachers who do NOT share the same personal identity to constitute one constitutional identity, or:

• Can we form a coherent identity• without neglecting diversity?

ProfessionalIdentity

InstitutionalIdentity

PersonalIdentity