I'm going to react like the students I like best this week. These blogs are stupid Mister! I rush every week on Saturday to think of something useful to say that will contribute to these in my opinion unnecessary postings. As far as privilege and power go, some kids have it and some kids don't. It is a parents job to instill the will of self power and if they fail, we as responsible teachers show our students how to do that. I have lived on both edges of the spectrum and one needs to learn how to seize opportunity when it comes across. I strive to do that with my students by showing them not to see where they are but where they want to be. With will and hard work, all things are possible. I do not let my students feel sorry for themselves, I show them how through my own experience that they can achieve their dreams. I want to be a teacher because at some point in my life someone cared enough to reach out and help me. I was lost as a child due to circumstances and through someone caring my life was saved. I only hope to make that difference in someone elses life. I am going to seek a school where the children come from broken homes, where fathers are nonexistent, where jail and drugs are the norm. Why? Because too many people are willing to take the easy road and cater to the privileged. Too few are willing to put their heart and soul into the lost children.
I like your honesty in your comments about power and privilege. I agree with what you expressed about teachers haveing the responsibility to show our students how to have "self power" or empower themselves. How can we do that in the classroom respecting all cultures, genders, races, etc.? Achieving their dreams is a form of empowerment...we can believe in them, support their good choices and use the curriculum to bring the issues to light for discussion. It is wonderful that you have the insight and the energy to work with these kids...by reaching out to them. I am wondering how I can also be a "life coach" for troubled kids. High expectations, love, believing in them is definitely a place to start.
ReplyDeleteWell said! I agree that too many students don't learn the drive and passion for learning at home. I also agree it's our job as teachers to ignite that spark. We as teachers cannot feel sorry for our students, we need to challenge them for what they know and build on that to help make them successful in life. What do you do with your students to make them understand you are on "their side"? How do you make them understand that school and education are their ticket out of their current situation?
ReplyDeleteOK I read this and do have to clarify. When I said we cannot feel sorry for our students,I meant that we cannot let their home life or extenuating circumstance be an excuse for not learning or attempting to learn. We DO need to provide a safe learning environment where students are encouraged to learn and are seen for who they are and not what circumstances they have come from.
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