Expressing our truth, expressing our care: A collective reflection on humanizing the social work classroom

The social work classroom calls us to consider topics of societal and personal relevance, including identity, oppression, and trauma. Which qualities and actions enable this process to challenge us and also affirm our and others’ humanity? This question guides the following reflection by nine social work master’s students and one faculty member. We narrate experiences that have shaped our understanding of and approach to transformative, humanizing interactions. Our narratives interweave experiences from the field, personal life, and the educational process. We relate our stories to social work education and pedagogical concepts, including safe and brave spaces and transformative learning.