Professional Hopes and Goals

◦What are the three most significant "lessons" that I have learned from studying issues related to diversity, equity, and social justice in this course—and what makes them significant?

1. Prejudice and discrimination are alive and well.  What is significant about this is that I have realized that there is hidden bias and prejudice displayed in ways that are often unconscious.  I have become more aware of this which will help me overcome my own bias and stand up for equity

2. Being an advocate for anti-bias education will take institutional change starting with the institution that I am a part of.  This is important because I am part of the dominate culture and can influence some of the practices that go on in the work place that are discriminatory

3. Creating a diverse classroom means that I will need to find out about the family culture of each of my students.  This is important and necessary in order to integrate other cultures into my classroom culture.

◦Which of my personal characteristics/dispositions do I consider to be my most valuable asset for my work with children and families from varied backgrounds—and for what reason(s)?

I think in general I am very accepting of others and assume the best of people.  I feel a great deal of compassion for others and this motivates me to move beyond first impressions.  This will be a necessary in making sure I value and include children and families of various backgrounds, beliefs, values and cultures.  Although I know that I still have room to grow in this area, I feel that I have a good foundation from which to work from.

◦Thinking about the statement, made by one of the panelists, "The passion comes from the vision": What is your interpretation of this statement, and in what way(s), if any, can you relate to the connection implied between professional passion and a vision regarding diversity?

Keeping focused on the vision of creating a better future for the next generation that is free from hate and that gives all children the right to reach their full potential will help me in everyday situations.  Noticing when certain actions are effecting that vision creates a sense of hope and determination to keep going.    I like how Derman-sparks sums it up by saying that we need to remember that although we are not perfect change is still possible (2011).

Reference

Laureate Education. (2011) Course Media: Diversity and equity work: Lessons learned.

Five ways to be culturally responsive towards a family living in Russia

Five ways to be culturally responsive towards a family living in Russia

1.  Reading personal blogs:

I went on the internet and read some blogs written by Russian children.  There are also blogs written by teachers in Russia that share their own experiences with the culture and what life is like there.

2.  Consider ways to integrate individual family cultural of children into the curriculum and create opportunities for families to share their individual family culture.  This will take thoughtful planning.

3.  Research the home language and search for pictures and ways to include the home language into the classroom.

3.  Avoid insvisiblity by researching meaningful art, music and books that can be added to the classroom environment. 

4. Make sure to read books, watch movies, and listen to music from Russia to get a better understanding of culture and family life.  Schedule a home visit if possible.

I see this as an opportunity to model by example love and respect for those that are different. The entire class can learn to appreciate others and learn that different is good.  It is an opportunity for me to learn more about the world and try new and different approaches.  The result will be professional growth.   

 

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

I recently witnessed prejudice in a hiring situation.  I heard about an opening where my friend worked and so I recommended a young black man that just graduated from high school.  He had the perfect skill set for the job, had a high work ethic and would have been a perfect fit.  After the interview I asked my friend if she heard how it went and she said her boss said there is “No way” she would hire him because she didn’t like his “look.”  I was shocked because I really didn’t realize such racism still existed!  This women supervisor made a judgment based on outward appearance and whatever bias she had attached to that and this young man did not even get an equitable chance.  I really made me angry.  This young man ended up putting twice as many job applications and working twice as hard to get a job then a Caucasian individual would have had to.  It also seems so silly to me and the employer really missed out on a great employee.  In this situation the supervisor who was hiring needed to be reported for the remarks.  The employer(s) needed educating and there needs to be more honest conversation in general about our individual bias and why it is there before beginning to dismantle it.