After
finishing The Dreamkeepers, I
immediately thought of my peers and wondered how they felt about this text.
Ladson_Billings’ voice is very firm and it’s obvious that she is passionate
about the education of Black children especially when a White teacher is
involved. I wonder if they find this overwhelming, or the desire to
successfully teach Black students daunting. Overall, I don’t find
Ladson-Billings’ argument particularly radical; I was expecting a slightly
different read. I think the push for better teachers, or teachers who
understand that life and identity for students of color can mean something
different because of institutionalized racism is very reasonable. I think
people don’t like to accept these kinds of arguments because it forces them to
acknowledge and accept the realities of racism and privilege; otherwise it is a
very uncomplicated and reasonable issue.
I
think what is most important to me in educating students of color is building a
positive self- image. I think schools reinforce and celebrate white culture and
do the opposite for students of color, which can make going to school quite
difficult. I have not been able to try what I think a culturally relevant
classroom looks like, so I just try to build my students’ self -esteem in our
daily interactions. I speak their language, and try to find small ways to
celebrate their cultures.
As
for student teaching, I think I have decided to leave my ideas alone for now
and just do what my CT thinks is best for her students. It get’s really
uncomfortable when I try something different or question their curriculum and
that is not a productive space. Student teaching is like being a guest in a
stranger’s home and is not like I hoped or expected. Overall, school is a very
stressful experiencewith all of the tests and expectations anyway. The last
thing I would want is for my desire to try other ways of teaching exacerbate
the situation.
Jackie, I definitely find Ladson-Billings' exhortations for teachers daunting. I mean, she gets to the heart of the problem with something that I always wonder about: can I, as a white teacher, be the best teacher for my African-American students (and other students of color)? I can't erase my color, and I don't want to. I honestly think that my background is something I'll have to be constantly reflective about and always questioning. I definitely don't think that every white teacher can be a culturally relevant teacher, simply because they have confronted their own conceptions of race and racism. However, I do want to be the exception; I believe in the possibility of success for all my students, regardless of their backgrounds. (And I know that you do, too.)
ReplyDeleteThat idea of the student teacher being a guest emphasizes the liminality of the position. Caught in between, you can complacently follow suit, reject the constraints with possible repercussions from the CT, or actively make notes and statewide in ways that bolster the identity you are forming in yourself. The last one probably takes the most work, but will be with your effort when in your own room for the first time.
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