Stories: Whose are told and whose remain in the margins?
In a classroom, being inclusive and fair to every student is one of the most important things a teacher can do to be successful. Discussing and talking about all different types of backgrounds, religions, and even race is important as it will make all students feel like their personal identity is recognized and acknowledged. In my opinion and personal upbringing, white, middle class children had the most maximized education, while racially diverse students were left in the margins. From what I could tell, this made my classmates feel upset and excluded, and I felt for them as this should have never happened and should never happen again. Making students feel marginalized in a classroom will cause so much harm. They will become disconnected from their classmates and teachers and dread going to school, therefore harming their education- which is highly unfair. In the article "Segregated By Experience", it states that schools "conveniently ignore ongoing effects of historical and contemporary racist policies". This goes to show that this has been a trend for school districts, and it must be put to an end. No student deserves to feel like they do not matter due to their race in a place where they should feel completely comfortable at all times. As a future teacher, I hope to make my classroom a place where any and all students feel included and comfortable in. This is an issue that has occurred over and over for entirely too long, and the cycle needs to end now.
Hi McKinley, I really enjoyed reading your post and learning about your experience! It was truly inspiring how much you learned from what you observed, and how you intend on being the difference as a future educator. I completely agree with your statement on how damaging it is to make students feel marginalized. This is a very important topic and it’s something that affects their self-esteem and other aspects of their life. I always say that it begins in the classroom so being able to learn about different cultures, races, religions, etc. at an early age and feeling seen is highly critical. All students need representation and to have a welcoming learning environment where they can share their thoughts and emotions comfortably. It is a trend that must be put to an end and acknowledged! I am happy to have peers that are wanting to work towards changing that. No student deserves to feel like they are not welcomed or seen.
ReplyDeleteHi! Thank you for your comment. I like how you mentioned that being marginalized within a classroom can affect them in other places outside of school. This is so true and something that is not thought about often enough. All students deserve an education without being left out in any way for any reason.
DeleteHi McKinely, I enjoyed your post and I relate to it a lot. Growing up it was obvious that students of color didn't get the same treatment as the middle-class white kids. As a student I understood what was happening, but I didn't know what to do about it. As a teacher, I will hopefully be able to do all that I can to ensure that all of my students have the best education and experience in school. How do you think teachers can change to help their students with this problem?
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DeleteHi Stevie! I can completely relate to knowing what is going on but not being sure as to what I should have done about it. At a young age, that it a hard thing to be able to know what to do about. I hope that in our future classrooms we do not make out students feel like this. Thank you for your comment!
DeleteHi McKinley, I loved reading your blog and seeing your point of view on this topic. I agree with you that white middle class students were favorable in terms of education. In my diverse classrooms as a child my friends who had a different ethnic background got treated differently, I don't know if the teachers were doing this on purpose or what the case was, but it was obvious to everyone. Being a marginalized student can be very hard because everyone needs the same respect and education experience and since we grew up seeing that happen firsthand, I think the next generation of teachers can learn from their teachers mistakes and include everyone by talking about all of the different historic parts and including everyone's background into teaching, so no one feels left out.
ReplyDeleteHi Rachel! I completely agree with your comment about everybody needing the same education experience. The main goal of school is for each child to walk away with the same education, and when marginalization is occurring in classrooms, that wont happen. Thank you for your comment!
DeleteHello, I enjoyed reading your blog post and your thoughts on the racial aspect of education. I think that is something I will never get used to, the part where many colored students are not getting the same education as white children. I could maybe understand that not every student learns the same, but that is why we have the no child left behind law. Even then we should share teaching resources with every student of color not just white ones, to change the future of our economy and government. Giving students of different backgrounds the same tools and resources lets them know we are not giving up on them, but instead want to see them fight for their future. With giving them the tools we are changing their futures from becoming possible criminals, getting blue collared jobs, and giving them the smarts to support their families and change the world. Some of those changes could be flying cars, the cure for cancer, and a solution for world peace.
ReplyDeleteHi Athena! I like how you mentioned that we as future teachers want to see our students fight for their future. I think in order to do this we must be supportive and let them know we will not give up on them, as you mentioned. Marginalizing a classroom only causes harm to students and their education and does not benefit anyone. Thank you for your comment!
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