It is important that as an educator, I set high expectations for my students regardless of their background. While 74.3 percent of all White children below the age of 18 live with both parents, only 38.7 percent of African-American minors can say the same" according to a recent study conducted by the Census Bureau I want them to know they are capable of accomplishing their goals despite any circumstances they may face in life. My goal is to of course emphasize academics, but also to help develop the whole child. It's easy to highlight concepts students do not know. However, as an educator it is my job to expose them to new information. I have personally been guilty of partaking in conversations referencing students' lack of knowledge such as "oh my gosh, I can't believe they don't know the difference between a state and a city in middle school!" Multiplication is for White People
highlights the point that teachers should focus on what they do know and build on to that; also that "we fail to pay sufficient attention to what we can control-- what does or doesn't happen in classrooms" (page 56).
So, I learned to be mindful of the conversations I take part in and instead of complaining about what they don't know, find solutions on how I can teach them what they do not know. I noticed during my tutoring, that they want the answers given to them. They don't want to take time and think. They feel they have to answer right away. So, I made a point to tell them it's okay to take your time and think about the answer.
Delpit says "nothing makes more of a difference in a child's school experience than a teacher" (page 72). During this class and through readings, I learned about different types of racism. Aversive racism is when a person in unaware of their racism. Beverly Tatum talks about how "we aren't usually conscious of the racism we've breathed.. and seldom realize how even our language is embedded with racist overtones" (page 12). We have a major influences on our students because sometimes we see them more than they see their actual parents in some cases. So, it matters how we treat them and how we make them feel. As educators, we have to be willing to look inside ourselves before we can do any students justice in the classroom.
I care about every student that enter my classroom. So, I must make sure they understand how unique and important they are to the world, themselves, and to me. Asking them questions about how they learn best and making them feel a part of the learning environment is very essential. They are sort of like consumers and we are the customer service associates. I have to cater to their needs and find out how I can better serve them.
I grew up in poverty and in a single parent home. So, I know the trials they face everyday based on my own personal experiences. However, I have to remember to not make excuses for them and to continue to push them to new heights. Every child deserves to be challenged and every student can learn! Our job as educators is to teach the curriculum, of course. However, it's also to help children reach goals they never imagined they would be able to reach. Just like Gandhi says " be the change you wish to see in the world."
