Previously Associate Professor of Adult Education and Head of Department at Maynooth University Ireland and Associate Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences.

Formerly a Senator on the Senate of the National University of Ireland.

Consulting or Associate Editor:
Journal of Transformative Education;
Adult Education: Critical Issues; 
Awarded a B.Sc. (MU) and a B.D. before earning M.A. at Teachers College & Ed.D. from Columbia University New York with Jack Mezirow as supervisor.

Also studied with Paulo Freire in Boston.

Received the 'Jack Mezirow Living Theory of Transformative Learning Award' (2014) for an  'original contribution to the development of the theory of learning' - writing on the critical theory of Axel Honneth. Link to paper.  In 2016 delivered the inaugural Mezirow Memorial Lecture at Columbia University. Link to paper 

Qualified skipper 'ISA Yachtmaster Offshore' & Certified Radio Operator

Link to Research Gate:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ted-Fleming-2/researchPUBLISHED

Forthcoming


Fleming, T. (in press, 2026). Teaching english in the age of Artificial IntelligenceI: Foreword. In Teaching English in the Age of AI: Adult Learning Strategies for a Global Classroom. 

Fleming, T. (in press, 2026). Forward. In F. Fovet (Ed.), Implementing Transformative Student-Centered Pedagogies in the Neoliberal Academy: Constraints and Opportunities. CSMFL Publications.

Fleming, T. (in press, 2026). Foundations of transformative adult learning. In V. Wang (Ed.), Transformative Journeys in Education, Vol. 1 Theory, Praxis and Educator Identity. Springer..

Fleming, T. (in press, 2026). Critical incidents in educator development. In V.
Wang (Ed.), Transformative Journeys in Education Vol 2: Personal Reflections, Power and Purpose. Springer. 

Fleming, T. (in press. 2026). The friction of fiction: Transformative learning and reading literature with a sociological imagination. In V. Wang (Ed.), Transformative Journeys in Education. Vol 2: Personal Reflections, Power and Purpose. Springer. 


2025

Chiu, Eunice Yin Yung  & Fleming, T. (2025). The aesthetics of disillusionment: Teachers narratives of 'Disillusioined Transformations'. Behavioral Sciences, 15(7), 858.
https://doi.org/10.3390/BS15070858

Fleming, T. (2025). The evolving landscape of learning theories: Foreword. In V. Wang The Theory and Practice of Adult Education, (p. xi) 3rd edition. KendallHunt. ISBN-13: 979-8319702579.

Fleming, T. (2025). Transformative learning re-conceptualized: Integrating reading literature and sociological imagination.
International Journal of Lifelong Education.1-18.
https://doi.org/10.1080/02601370.2025.2577202
Click here for copy.

Fleming, T. (2025). Transformative Learning: A theory and practice of adults learning. Paper at Institut für Bildungswissenschaft, Fakultät fürVerhaltens- und Empirische Kulturwissenschaften in Universität Heidelberg,Germany July 15.

Fleming, T. (2025). Radicalization, recognition and
transformative learning: A critical theory perspective. 
Paper at read at AEGIS XXIX Summer Term Seminar,
Teachers College Columbia University, New York. 

Fleming, T. (2025). Radicalization and transformative learning:
Explored through Honneth’s recognition theory.
Journal of Transformative Education, 23(3). 270-285. 
https://doi.org/10.1177/15413446251352352

Fleming, T. (2025). Transformative Learning with a Social Imagination: Where fact and fiction meet. Preprint. 
DOI:10.13140/RG.2.2.23294.29762   Click for copy of paper

Fleming, T., & Chiu, E.Y.Y. (2025). The aesthetics of disillusionment: Teachers’ narratives of ‘Disillusioned Transformations' Preprints.
https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202504.1504.v1Fleming, T. (2025). Exploring 'Recognition' in the Recognition
of Prior Learning: Democracy, Freedom and RPL. PLAIO: 
International Journal of Theory, Research and Practice in 
Prior Learning Assessment, 2025(11), 1-14.
https://www.plaio.org/index.php/home

Fleming, T. (2025). Toward a transformative pedagogy
of crisis and experience. In L. Paulos, B. Merrill, S. Valdes,
A. Galimberti, & A. Fragoso, (Eds.), Adult education in times
of crisis and change: Perspectives on access, learning
careers and identities, (pp. 17-32).
Faro: University of the Algarve. Click here for link to chapter DOI: 10.4324/9780429450600-2

Fleming T. (2022) Transformative Learning and Critical Theory: Making Connections with Habermas, Honneth, and Negt. In A. Nicolaides, S. Eschenbacher, P.T. Buergelt, Y. Gilpin-Jackson, M. Welch, & M. Misawa, (Eds.), The Palgrave Handbook of Learning for Transformation (pp. 25-43). New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-84694-7_2


Fleming, T. (2022). The Experience of Transformation: The Transformation of Experience. Keynote address at 14th Biennial International Transformative Learning Conference - co-hosted by Michigan State University & Grand Rapids Community College.  Fleming Keynote

Fleming, T. (2022). Mezirow's theory of transformative learning and critical theory: Oskar Negt and his reconstruction of experience. In P. Faller, K. Del Simone, D. Holt, (Eds.), Telling, Evaluating, and Deepening our Story. Proceedings of the 14th International Transformative Learning Conference (pp. 193-200). Michigan State University, East Lansing Michigan, April 7. https://intertla.org  Final_copy_Paper

Fleming, T. (2022). Mezirow’s Theory of Transformative Learning and Freire’s Pedagogy: Theories in Dialogue. Paper for webinar hosted by the International Transformative Learning Association, with A. Kokkos, Greece, C. Melacarne, Italy and José Eustáquio Romăo, Brazil. Speaking Notes

Fleming, T. (2022). Recognition and Democracy. Paper at The Institute of Civic Studies and Learning for Democracy Summer School at joint University of Augsburg, North Carolina State University and Deutch-Ukrainischer Dialog e.V . Funded by US State Department and German Government's Foreign Affairs programme Demokratie Leben.

2021

Fleming, T. (2021). Dancing with Minds (trans. Πηνελόπη Μπόζνου/Pinelopi Bozuou) News, Trends and Proposals in Adult Education - Newsletter of the Hellenic Adult Education Association, p. 8.  English Translation

Fleming, T. (2021). Εκπάίσευδη Ένηλίκων Χορευοντάς με τον νου, (trans. Πηνελόπη Μπόζνου). ΝΕΑ, ΤΑΣΕΙΣ ΚΑΙ ΠΡΟΤΑΣΕΙΣ ΣΤΗΝ  ΕΚΠΑΙΔΕΥΣΗ ΕΝΗΛΙΚΩΝ (p. 8). Αθήνα: Επιστημονική Ένωση Εκπαίδευσης Ενηλίκων (EEEE).

Fleming, T. (2021). Freire Revisited: Biography, theory and teaching meet. Paper at Maynooth University Centre for Research in Adult Learning and Education Conference: Making Hope Practical: A Dialogue on Freire. In collaboration with ESREA, November 16, 2021.Freire_Revisited.docx

Deligiannis, D., Tsiougou, K., Goutha, V., Moutselos, A. &
Fleming, T. (2021). Citizenship Education for democratic and
sustainable communities. UNESCO Institute for Lifelong
Learning, the City of Larissa and the City of Yeonsu-Gu.
Click for Link

Δεληγιάννης, Δ., Τσιούγκου, Κ., Γκούθα και, B. Μουτσέλος,
Α. και T. Fleming, (2021). Εκπαίδευση στην Ενεργό
ΠΟΛΙΤΕΙΟΤΗΤΑ για Δημοκρατικές και Βιώσιμες Κοινότητες. Ινστιτούτου Διά Βίου. Μάθησης της UNESCO,
τις πόλεις της Λάρισας και της Yeonsu-gu.  Link to Book

드미트리 델리야니스, 클레오니키 뜨시우구, 비키 고타, 안토니스 무셀로스 -
서론 저자: 테드 플레밍 (2021). 시민성 교육.  유네스코  평생학습연구소, , 라리사시, 연수구의   Link to book

Fleming, T. (2021). Recognition: Changing the Approach to
Mental Health through Active Inclusion in Further Education
and Training. Keynote address at the Education and
Training Board of Ireland Conference Showcasing Active Inclusion Practice across Education and Training Boards.
Dublin November 18, 2021. Link to paper

Fleming, T. (2021). Democracy brings History and Hope together  through Learning and Education. A paper at Roundtable during Conference on 200 Years of the Greek Revolution: Democracy yesterday, today and tomorrow. Theme: Larissa, the Commune of Thessaly, the Greek Revolution and the Challenges of Democracy today in a  time of Crises, November 13, 2021. Link to paper

Fleming, T. (2021) Resilience: A Learning Project for a Learning City. Paper at Roundtable on The contribution of Education to the formation of a Healthy and Sustainable City in the post-COVID era at 7th International Conference for the Promotion of Educational Innovation, of EEPEK, University of  Thessaly, Larissa. October 16
Link to Paper

Fleming,T. (& S.Eschenbcher) (2021). Toward a Critical Pedagogy
of Crisis. European Journal for Research on the Education and
Learning of Adults (RELA), 12(3), 295 - 309.  
DOI   10.3384/rela.2000-7426.3337
Link to RELA Journal copy

Fleming, T. (2021). Models of Lifelong Learning: An overview.
In M. London (Ed). Oxford Handbook of Lifelong Learning, 2nd edition, (pp. 35-55). New York: Oxford University Press.  
DOI: 10.1093/oxfordhb/9780197506707.013.3     

Fleming, T. (2021). Learners as leaders, leaders as learners:
Education for active citizenship and social change.  Paper at Learners as Leaders: Developing Democracy through  Change-oriented Community Education in Ireland Conference  during AONTAS Adult Learners' Festival 2021, Link to paper  

Fleming, T. (2021). Toward a critical theory of transformative learning: Learning from Oskar Negt. International Journal of Adult Education and Technology, 12(1), pp. 1-16.  DOI: 10.4018/IJAET.2021010101 Link to Sample

Fleming, T. (2021). Foreword. In B.L. Leaver, D. Davidson & C.
Campbell Transformative Language Learning and Teaching,
(pp. xxii-xxiii).  Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. 
DOI: 10.1017/9781108870788 Link to Foreword

Fleming, T. (2021). We survived Covid, now what?
The Place of Adult Education in an era of Long Covid. Paper at National College of Ireland Festival of Education Beyond the Covid Recovery: New Challenges for Education and Lifelong Learning, June 2021. Link to Powerpoint

Fleming, T., Connolly, B., & Iacovone, L. (2021). Adult Education: A journey with those who make the roads. dult Education: A Journey with Those Who Make the RoadIn EPALE - Electronic Platform for adult learning in Europe. A Blog. Link to Article

2020

Fleming, T. (2020). Youth, Democracy and Education: Well-being for all in a Time of Crises. Keynote at UNESCO Learning Cities Conference Strengthening Citizenship Education at Local Level with Larissa (Greece) and Yeonsu-gu (Republic of Korea). November 13. Link to paper
Link to Conference paper on YouTube


Eschenbacher, S., & Fleming, T. (2020). Transformative Dimensions of Lifelong Learning: Mezirow, Rorty and Covid-19. International Review of Education: Journal of Lifelong Learning. 66(5), 657-672.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11159-020-09859-6  Full text in pdf

Fleming, T. (2020). Foreword. In A. Kokkos, (Ed.), Expanding Transformation Theory: Affinities between Jack Mezirow and Emancipatory Educationalists (pp.xii - xvi). London: Routledge. Link to Foreword

Fleming, T. (2020). Jürgen Habermas (1929- ): The importance of higher education for democracy. In R. Barnett & A. Fulford (Eds.), Philosophers on the University: Debating Higher Education. (pp. 191- 203). Heidleberg: Springer. http://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-31061-5_15

2019

Fleming, T., Kokkos, A. & Finnegan, F. (2019). European Perspectives on Transformation Theory. London: Palgrave Macmillan. Link to Amazon

Fleming, T., Kokkos, A., & Finnegan, F. (2019). Context and Development of Transformation Theory in the European Field of Adult Education. In Fleming, T., Kokkos, A. & Finnegan,
F. (Eds.), European Perspectives on Transformation Theory,
(pp. 7-25). London: Palgrave Macmillan.
Conclusions, Comparisons and Directions for Future Study. In
T. Fleming, A. Kokkos, & F. Finnegan, (Eds.), European
Perspectives on Transformation Theory (pp. 255-260).
Palgrave Macmillan.10.1007/978-3-030-19159-7_17

Fleming, T. (2019). Student Voice in Adult and Further Education: A Charter for Listening, Speaking and Responding.
Paper at National Adult Education Association (AONTAS) Lifelong Learning Summit, Dublin November 18.Copy of paper

Fleming, T. (2019). Ár dTír Féin [Our Own Country]: The skills we need for the future. In A. Lajoie, G. Irvine & S. Cohen (Eds.). Ensuring Good Future Jobs: A collection of essays (pp. 56-59). Dublin: TASC & Dunfermline: Carnegie UK Trust.
Link to essay

Fleming, T. (April 2019). Landscapes of Learning: Maps, Roadsigns and other Allies on a Research Adventure. Keynote at ESREA/University of Milan-Bicocca Spring School at Lake Como School of Advanced Studies, Como, Italy. Theme: Lifelong Learning and Social Justice: Dilemmas of Complexity in Researching Contemporary Adult Education. Link to Paper

Fleming, T. (2019). Working with Adults: Challenges and Possibilities for Further Education. Keynote at Donegal Education and Training Board Conference on Social Inclusion. Letterkenny Donegal September 27, 2019. Speaking Notes

Fleming, T., Finnegan, F., & Kokkos, A. (2019). European perspectives on Transformation Theory. Conference of the Italian Transformative Learning Network at University of Naples, Federico II, Naples.

2018
Fleming, T. (2018). Προσθέτωντας ζωή στα χρόνια μας: Μετασχηματίζουσα Μάθηση για Ηλικιωμένους στο Ιρλανδικό Μουσείο Μοντέρνας Τέχνης, του (translated by Πηνελόπη Μπόζνου - Pinelopi Bozou). Hellenic Journal Adult Education.
42, 54-63. Link to paper

Fleming, T. (2018). Education as a Public Good. Paper presented at the  Irish Adult Education Officers Association Annual Conference Portlaoise, November 29. Link to paper

Fleming, T. (2018). Democracy in times of crises. Course taught at the Citizens' University Municipality of Larissa, Greece October 14.

Fleming, T. (2018). Education, Critical Thinking and
Imagination. Paper presented at Roundtable at the
4th International Conference on Innovation in Education at the University of Thessaly Medical University, Larissa, Greece, October.

Fleming, T. (2018). Attachment Theory and Transformative Learning: Rethinking the Origins of Meaning Making. In M. Welch, V. Marsick &
D.Hope (Eds.), Building transformative community: Proceedings of the
XIII Transformative Learning Conference (pp. 288-294). New York: Teachers College Columbia University. Link to paper

Fleming, T. (2018). Teaching for critical and transformative learning. Paper at 1st Summer School: Building a Learning City, Larissa Greece. Sponsored by Larissa City Council, Hellenic Open University, Hellenic Adult Education Association and UNESCO. (June 2018). 

Fleming, T. (2018). The Learning City: Questions from Citizens about Learning, Teaching and Education in a Democracy.
Paper presented at Larissa Conference at the Citizens University
of Larissa, Greece, (June 2018).  Link to speaking notes

Fleming, T. (2018).Critical theory and transformative learning:
Rethinking the radical intent of Mezirow's theory.
International Journal of Adult Vocational Education and
Technology, 9(3), 1-13.Click here for copy

Fleming, T. (2018). Mezirow and the Theory of Transformative
Learning. In V. Wang, (Ed.), Critical Theory and Transformative Learning, (pp. 120-136). Hershey, PA: IGI Global.
Click here for Chapter

Fleming, T. (2018). Learning Careers and Transformative Learning: Challenges of Learning and Work in neoliberal Spaces. In B. Merrill, A. Galimberti, A. Nizinska and J. Gonzalez Monteaugudo (Eds.), Continuity and Discontinuity in Learning Careers: Potentials for a Learning Space in a Changing World (pp. 19-34).  Leiden NL & Boston: BRILL/SENSE.
https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004375475_001
 
Sample Chapter 1

2017
Fleming, T. (2017). Celebrating Learning. Presentation of Certificates and Awards at Henrietta Adult and Community Education, June 27th.

Fleming, T. (2017). Transformative learning and higher education: Making critical theory useful. Invited paper at University of Edinburgh, Institute of Academic Development Conference (April). Link to paper

Fleming, T. (2017). Social Care Education: Where culture, politics and psychology Collide. Invited keynote at Carlow College Conference Celebrating 20-Years of Department of Social Care, Carlow (March).

Fleming, T., Finnegan, F. & Loxley, A. (2017). Access and Participation in Irish Higher Education. London: Palgrave Macmillan.

Fleming, T. (2017). The Joy of Learning. Invited paper at City of Dublin Local Education and Training Board Seminar for AONTAS Adult Learning Festival (March).

Fleming, T. (2017). University for Non-Traditional Students:
What do the Students Say? Lunchtime lecture Series Trinity College Dublin, September 28.

Fleming, T. (2016). The critical theory of Axel Honneth: Implications for transformative learning and higher education. In V. Wang and P. Cranton (Eds.), Theory and Practice of Adult and Higher Education (pp. 63-85). Little Rock, AK:
Information Age Publishing.

2016
Fleming, T. (2016). No Democracy without Education: Training, Education and the FE Training Strategy. Paper delivered at the Limerick Clare Education and training Board Conference on Further Education Dromoland, Co Clare (December).

Fleming, T. (2016). Dancing Minds: Mezirow and Habermas
meet Honneth. In Fleming, T., Marsick, V., Kasl, E. and Rose, A.
Dancing at the Crossroads: Recollections and Reflections on
Jack Mezirow’s Early Work. Symposium paper at the XII International
Transformative Learning Conference, Pacific Lutheran University,
Tacoma, WA, USA. In A. Nicolaides & D. Holt (Eds.). (2016). Engaging
at the Intersections (pp. 87-99). Proceedings of the XII International
Transformative Learning Conference: Tacoma, WA: Pacific
Lutheran University. Link to papers

Fleming, T. (October, 2016). There is no democracy without education: Transforming cities through learning and adult education. Keynote paper at the 2nd Larissa Learning City International Conference - Seeking Common Actions in a Period of Crisis, Larissa, Greece, October 14-15. Link to Larissa site on Facebook

Fleming, T. (October, 2016). Recognition and Community Education. Presentation to the AONTAS Community Education Network, Dublin.

Fleming, T. (September 2016). Freire, critical theory and Ireland.
Paper delivered in response to Antonia Darder, keynote 'Paulo Freire and the politics of literacy: The struggle for a revolutionary praxis of adult education' at the 8^th Triennial European Society for Research in the Education of Adults Conference (ESREA) at Maynooth University (September 2016). Link to paper

Fleming, T. (October, 2016). Recognition of Learning - Learning to Recognise. Speech at Awarding of Special Purpose Certificates and Diplomas by Carlow Institute of Technology and An Cosán Virtual Learning Community College.

Fleming, T. (2016). Poverty and adult education. Paper read at
United Nations International Day against Poverty Conference at
An Cosán, Tallaght, Dublin (September 2016).
Link to paper

Fleming, T. (June 2016). Paulo Freire and Jack Mezirow: Adult education theories in dialogue. Panel paper at the ESREA 2nd International Transformative Learning Conference, The Role, Nature and Difficulties of Dialogue in Transformative Learning, Athens.

Fleming, T. (2016). Rethinking the critical theory influences on
transformative learning: In dialogue with Honneth. In Andritsakou,
D., & Kostara, E., (Eds.), The Role, Nature and Difficulties of
Dialogue in Transformative Learning. Proceedings of the 2nd
Conference of ESREA’s Network Interrogating Transformative
Processes in Learning and Education: An International
Dialogue, (pp. 88-96). Athens, Greece: ESREA & Hellenic
Adult Education Association.Click for copy

Fleming, T. (June 6, 2016). Toward a living Theory of Transformative Learning: Going beyond Mezirow and Habermas to Honneth. This is the text of the 1^st Mezirow Memorial Lecture at Columbia University Teachers College sponsored by AEGIS IXX, the Department of Organization and Leadership and the Office of Alumni Relations at Teachers College.  You Tube version. Link to paper

Fleming, T. (2016). The labour market and further education: An ally?
Paper at Conference of The Further Education and Training Forum at
the National College of Ireland. Link to paper