Working with children and families so have
challenges as well as rewards. The “isms” I want to focus on are racism and classism.
I have had the opportunity to work at different public schools over the course
of almost 12 years. The school where I am currently employed has been the most
challenging of them all.
The school is majority African American and has been
stereotyped as a “ghetto” school because of this and the behavior problems of
some of the children. I have heard some people say “I do not want to work there”
or “I do not want my child to go to that school”. Comments like these amongst others, bothers
me. There was an issue where a mixed race student (African American and Caucasian)
had been suspended several times because of his behavior. The grandmother of this
student came to the school and blamed the school for her grandchild’s behavior.
The grandmother swore at the principal and called the principal a racist. The
principal is an African American female and the grandmother is Caucasian. After
the last incident the mother and grandmother have been coming to school with
the student and observing his behavior during the day. The grandmother came
into the cafeteria with him for breakfast and lunch. I felt uncomfortable when
she entered the kitchen area. She was not very friendly and her facial
expression was unpleasant.
The school does have children with many behavior
issues, but I will not let that deter me from wanting to educate these
children. It does not matter what area a school is located, all children
deserve a chance at education. If everyone felt this way what will happen to
our future generation.
Brenda,
ReplyDeleteI felt like the school I work with has had the same reputation. My first year, we had a change in administration (for the better!) and they helped spruce up the building, develop a school wide behavior plan and reward system, as well as meet with teachers every week and train us on current practices. They have really transformed our school so much, that it is now the fastest improving elementary school in the state of Tennessee. You just keep doing what you know is right for your "babies"! That's what makes working in a "ghetto" school so worth it... because I KNOW my kids need me and the outcome is so worth all the hard stuff that comes with it. You are a true gem! =)
Jessica
Brenda,
ReplyDeleteIt Is important to teach children about isms and stereotypes. To often children are exposed to a variety of negative information and views. Teachers have to help the children overcome these stereotypes and learn in a positive environment.
Brenda,
ReplyDeleteI work in a school where all but a few families are Caucasian. The school has the opposite problem as your school where pretty much the entire city knows about our school and wants to send their child there. In fact, the director gave 80 tours this past fall and only four spots were open. As much as I enjoy the environment I teach in, I wish there was more diversity and exposure to more than just Caucasian children and a few Asian American children.
Tara Fleishman