On creating a space: An interview with Parker Palmer

Increasingly, social work educators introduce the thoughts of Parker Palmer into their discussions of teaching methodology, course content, and the oc cupation of teaching. While not himself a social worker, Palmer's thoughts about teaching, on creating a "space" or conditions within which people can learn and change, and on the spiritual and relational aspects of human lea rning resonate with many social work educators. Parker Palmer is a write, c onsultant, and lecturer who addresses issues in education, spirituality, co mmunity, and asocial change. he is a senior associate of the American Assoc iation for Higher Education, senior advisor to the Fetzer Institute, and th e author of such books as To Know as We Are Known, Let Your life Speak, The Courage to Teach, The Active Life, and The Company of Strangers. Palmer ha s received five honorary doctorates for his writing and numerous other awar ds. He resides in Madison, Wisconsin where he is also a member of the Relig ious Society of Friends (Quakers). This interview was conducted to elicit P almer's thoughts on teaching, learning, relating, and the academic preparat ion of social workers and took place on a clod and dreary late winter after noon at his home in Madison. A range of subjects was discussed nd he was qu ite gracious and generous with his time.