Everyone has a personal history, when entering a classroom, I can’t say everyone has a bias though. Both of these items form through interactions with parents/family, friends, media, teachers, etc., it’s everywhere. So depending on whom one listens to while growing up, or if they have enough will power to overcome all the information and formulate their own ideas and opinions. This process can happen either way, a family could be for white privilege and as the child you may be the complete opposite and vice versa.
I grew up in a house with a family that wasn’t really bias at all. My parents treated everyone equally and would never make comments about anyone because of cultural diversity. Not everyone is as lucky as me though, I know that a bunch of my friends have grown up in a household were their mother or father was bias of one race or another and many of them grew up acting the same way, or were just afraid to not agree even if they didn’t. I would never change my views because of my friends but try to explain to them why it is so wrong. They would never want to be looked down upon like they do to others and maybe one day they’ll realize it.
So even as a teacher without a bias, the students no matter the age could have their own bias and that could bring about just as many problems. Either about the way they look at me as a white middle class teacher or the way they look and treat their other classmates. If this becomes a problem it will need to be addressed in a learning/positive way, not by making them feel two feet tall but trying to teach and get them to understand that every individual deserves respect.
Luckily, I didn’t witness this at Joseph L. Smith Elementary School even though there was a very diverse group of students both in my classroom and within the rest of the school. I can’t speak for all the teachers in the school but I can for Mrs. Blue. Over the past couple of months she constructed the classroom around being equal, not one person was better than the next. She hardly ever even makes herself look superior to the students either, unless it is necessary. She gets right down on the rug with all the students when demonstrating different activities. I’ve picked up this style of teaching within the first week from Mrs. Blue, it works and gets the kids focused and ready to pay attention. They aren’t intimidated and are enjoying the time learning with you.
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Amy,
ReplyDeleteI am so happy for you that Mrs. Blue does not show any signs of being culturally bias to certain races, ethnicities, or economic classes. I really like that she gets right down on the rug with her students and demonstrates activities to them. They must look to her with respect and kindness because she is not afraid to be on their level.
I liked that you talked about your past and how lucky you were to not have parents that were bias towards certain people. I think you picked up good teaching techniques from Mrs. Blue and she showed you a way to make every child in your classroom equal. Now is Mrs. Blue a white teacher? or is she of another ethnicity? Your VIP's teacher definetally follows along side of Carlson's five principles he discusses in his article. Mrs. Blue seems to rupture borders with her students and by getting down on the rug with them to explain things makes sure all voices are heard and all truths are understood as partial and position. She also seems to protect identities by allowing her students to voice their opinions and not being bias herself. I am sure you will take this experience in Mrs. Blue's classroom and put what you've learned towards your own classroom one day.
Amy,
ReplyDeleteIts nice to see someone who grew up in a home without any racial bias. Pretty much everyone faces it in someway. My parents aren't biased in anyway either, but coming from a small primarily caucasion town, I did see alot of it growing up. Its good that you grew up in a home like that because it makes becoming a teacher easier; especially with how diverse things are now, and how diverse the classrooms we were placed in are. I do have to say I struggled with being put in a completely ethnic classroom. I didn't struggle because I was biased in anyway, I just felt out numbered, and the attitudes of the student were way different then the attitude of the students in the highschool I went to. Racial bias is something that will hold you back nowadays, especially if you want to become a teacher; so hold onto your freethinking ways and don't let someones narrow minded ideal of "normal" get in your way of becoming a great teacher.
Amy,
ReplyDeleteLucky me, I have both the pleasure to both have know you for a long time and also do my service learning at the same school!!!
You are, as is anyone, really lucky to come into any situation without any judgement. I agree that we may not all be bias on first thought. I think that anything we learn as we are growing up only helps us as we prepare for future endeavors. We all grow up in a certain situation that shapes how we go into any experience and how we approach issues.
I had the pleasure of meeting your teacher as well and was really impressed with how she handles such a diverse classroom. As Ellen say above me you hold back all racial biases now a days especially as a teacher. Mrs. Blue does a great job with that as a witnessed at thanksgiving dinner there!
Great job on your service learning.
Jack :)
Hi Amy,
ReplyDeleteI urge you to re-examine your belief that you (or anyone else) is completely free of bias. I accept that you are free of intentional discrimination, and this is to your credit. Your students will benefit from your background and your commitment to equality. My question is this: Can anyone, however, be completely free of unconscious or dysconscious bias when we participate in a society organized around white privilege?
Continue to think on these things,
Dr. August