What Lengths Am I Willing To Go To In Order To Do Right By Every Child?
In order to do right by every child, teachers must educate themselves of different cultures and values and be able to step out of their comfort zone to make sure they are correct with their teaching and how they act in the classroom to make students of different cultures and background comfortable in the classroom. As an educator it is important to take time to consider students identities and be able to create a culturally responsive classroom environment. Equity in the classroom is important to ensure everyone gets equal opportunities whatever the circumstances are for each student. Creating a sense of diversity In the classroom is very important as well so that the students can learn about their peers and their cultures along with sharing their own. This is something the teacher would have to take upon themselves to promote within their classroom and have a passion for their students on the level of caring about their cultures. I feel as if public school now is aware of different cultures, yet they do not do enough to recognize and embrace them for the students to feel welcomed and safe. As a future educator, I will be sure to learn about and embrace the cultures of my students to make them feel like the classroom is their safe place, yet I will be careful to not make their culture their entire identity because that can tend to be off putting and unwelcoming. As educators we need to appreciate out students and do our best to make sure they have a pleasant experience with school.
Hey Jacy, first I wanted to admire what you had to say as well as how you had to say it. I can tell you plan to care for your students just by what you have to say. I love that you focus on one main idea here and that is creating a type of “comfort zone” for your students to share and be themselves. I agree, you need to set up a classroom in which students feel welcome to share about themselves and their stories, but ensuring every student gets that equal opportunity. I loved that you mentioned not being too overbearing because educators often lose certain boundaries when trying to create this open environment. I haven’t heard a conversation about what should be done, but also to what extent which is my favorite thing about your blog today. Creating that space for students to feel comfortable sharing with their peers and teachers is important, but it is also important to make sure you can take a step back and asses the right approach to things depending on the boundaries set up in place.
ReplyDeleteHi Jacy,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate that you immediately say that teachers must also educate themselves. It starts with us as teachers. How are we supposed to support cultural competency when we ourselves are stunted by pride or ignorance? The focus on equity and understanding people’s cultures creates that type of safe environment. I know that if I don’t understand someone’s culture, I’m not sure how to be sensitive and ensure equal opportunities. I think that everyone has something to learn from different cultures, it’s a shame and injustice to disregard someone because they are different or “other”. I also agree this is the responsibility of the teacher to promote. It is truly about showing respect and care so that students know it is something to care about. I did not think about their culture becoming their whole identity if, but if we are educating about the inclusivity of diverse cultures then maybe it won’t have that effect.