Students’ non-conforming and “difficult” behaviours are often conceptualized through a pathologizing lens of “disability” (as informed by developmental psychology), medicalizing and, thus, legitimizing “mis”behaviour in a move that upholds the normal order of things. Using Sharon Todd’s theorizing (influenced by Levinas) on ethical relationships with the Other, alongside a snippet of teacher interview data from a research project, Janzen theorizes what it might mean for this ethical relationship between teachers and “mis”behaving students to be framed by the notion of mystery, arguing that a relationship with the Other enacted through a stance of mystery is necessary in maintaining the alterity (difference) of the Other, and is premised on openness and listening. Thus, rather than the dehumanizing and objectifying efforts of seeking to know the child through assessments and diagnoses, ethical relationships between teachers and students must be premised on an acknowledgment and curiosity of differences.
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