More Equitable Educator
I would like to focus my blog on the article describing the 20 things I will do to be a more equitable educator. There have been a few articles throughout this program that I have just wanted to share with everyone in my school. This is one of them. It is so eye-opening and like Dawn said at the end of our class–just good teaching. One “thing” that stood out to me was ” I will reject the myth of color-blindness.” This was me–even in the beginning of this program. I thought I was such an honest and open-minded teacher because I felt that I don’t see color in my classroom–my kids do not see color in my classroom. Should I be admitting this? I thought this was a good thing. I think one of the first eye-openers was how successful the culture quilts were and how they really opened up my thoughts to the importance of seeing each child for who they are and empowering them to show who they are. This includes our own EdS group!
Another item I thought was interesting was pronouncing names correctly. This is one area I have always been in agreement with and I feel I can easily say I have not pronounced names wrong after learning how to say it the first time. And I make sure I know names the first day I meet my students. But I will say this reminds me of a time this year in which I have two girls that have accent marks on their name. (For example, Beyonce’ and Tah’lei) I didn’t realize I left these marks off of their name on the sign in sheet and on their name tag. Both of them asked me about it within about 3 weeks or so (at different times). I felt horrible and I can not imagine how they felt–those marks are important to a name. I wasn’t doing it because I thought their name wasn’t important, it just came from the office like that and I copied it. So not only pronouncing names correctly is important but writing it appropriately is just as important to helping our students feel validated.
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Jen,
I agree with you about that being a great sheet and I want to share it as well. I have it on my bulletin board by my desk as a reminder to me. I do not want to neglect doing these things or stop being a better educator when this EdS program is over and I think this is a good reference. I was also reflecting on students names and how important it is to make sure you say them the right way. When I worked in Texas, the majority of my kids were Hispanic and it was hard for me to pronounce their names since I have never taken Spanish. I am sad to say that I am not really sure I ever asked them how to pronounce their names. That is a mistake that I would never make again! I also have a child here that I have worked with who is now in 5th grade. Their last name is French and has an accent. I always included it but the parents did once make a comment about the majority of teachers ommitting that important marker. Kids and parents do notice this as a sign of respect.
katy
It is amazing to witness through a small child’s eyes the importance they place on their name. They instinctively get validation for their identity through the name they are given. Many Asian immigrants change their name when they get to the states- ever wonder why so many Asian boys are named Jeff. Our identity begins with our name. And through this blog you are upholding the fifth of the twenty steps to being a more equitable teacher.
HI Jen,
I have been so impressed with what you have been sharing in class lately. You have inspired us all with your words. I also agree with you about our names. It is funny - I am Caren - it is so important to me that people spell it with a C. Even hostesses at restaurants-strangers whom I will never see again. I guess, much of our identity is wrapped up in names. I got the pronounciation part, too and felt guilty about Anglocizing some children’s names. And yes we are not colorblind are we? We are color//full- Color matters, because Identity matters.