6: TRAIL: Navigating Multiple Identities of Teacher/Researcher/Artist/Leadership in Academia

Conceptualising one’s academic self amidst multiple roles in academia can be overwhelming and isolating. Una and Michael, both teacher arts educators in Ireland, share similar career paths. Una recently became Head of School, while Michael stepped down. Using rubbings as arts-based inquiry, they map their journeys as a Teacher, a Researcher, an Artist and a Leader over two decades. Through narrative and arts-based inquiry, they explore leadership, identity and self-recreation, identifying challenges, compromises and solutions. This chapter captures their reflective dialogue on balancing personal values with institutional demands within the evolving landscape of teacher arts education.