Marta Abelha is one of the Portuguese team members in the challenging project “Research to Enhance Democracy through Aesthetic and Embodied Learning. Responsive Pedagogies and Democracy-as-Becoming” (AECED). She is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Education and Distance Learning at Universidade Aberta, Portugal, where she teaches in the Education and Teacher Training programmes. She believes that education is the key to building a more equity society, and this is what drives me daily, trying to be a catalyst for the development of conscious and active individuals in society.
Outside of the academic environment, she is an enthusiastic advocate of family time and a good dose of fun with friends. Walks by the sea are a special refuge, providing not only serenity but also inspiration for my work. She also enjoys sharing laughter and good conversation at lively dinner parties with friends. She is a fortunate to be the mother of two children and the aunt of four adorable nephews, whose curiosity and vitality challenge me daily to grow as a person. This personal commitment is directly reflected in her teaching practice, where she seeks to implement innovative ways to inspire and positively impact her students. She joins the AECED project with enthusiasm and determination, hoping that each step along the way will contribute to a deeper understanding of democracy and education