I'm a white teacher at a black school in Kansas City and if we had more teachers with this mindset we would solve many problems facing us in urban education. 👑
I like to mess with them myself, especially earlier in the year when they are getting to know me and make some comment about me being white and I respond "I'm not white, I'm American." So much emphasis over the years has been put on skin color, which I am not saying it doesn't have any importance, but am saying continuing to stress the importance of different "races" probably isn't a good thing.
I have never taught in a white majority classroom. Nor was my masters program. Which makes sense because where I live is not white majority.
I spent a lot of time worrying that as a white woman, I would not be the teacher my students really needed.
I read, and was taught, a lot about how to handle this.
In my first month of teaching, a student was talking to a friend in front of my desk before class started. So, of course, I could overhear them.
They were both Latina, and talking about tanning booths. One said, “I mean, no one wants to be white!” Then they both looked at me and she said, “No offense, Miss!” I told her none was taken, and we all burst out laughing.
Racism is real. White teacher need to examine their own biases. We have got to connect with all our students. And being able to laugh together play a much bigger part in it than I knew it would.
100%. An ability to recognize it without letting it drown us is a big skill, and it’s earned by creating those relationships. Sounds like you know what you’re doing.
I'm a white teacher at a black school in Kansas City and if we had more teachers with this mindset we would solve many problems facing us in urban education. 👑
Appreciate hearing that.
I like to mess with them myself, especially earlier in the year when they are getting to know me and make some comment about me being white and I respond "I'm not white, I'm American." So much emphasis over the years has been put on skin color, which I am not saying it doesn't have any importance, but am saying continuing to stress the importance of different "races" probably isn't a good thing.
Agreed. Less emphasis would be good
“Hey Mister, can I borrow a dollar?” “I was just about to ask you that same question!”
Classic 😆
I have never taught in a white majority classroom. Nor was my masters program. Which makes sense because where I live is not white majority.
I spent a lot of time worrying that as a white woman, I would not be the teacher my students really needed.
I read, and was taught, a lot about how to handle this.
In my first month of teaching, a student was talking to a friend in front of my desk before class started. So, of course, I could overhear them.
They were both Latina, and talking about tanning booths. One said, “I mean, no one wants to be white!” Then they both looked at me and she said, “No offense, Miss!” I told her none was taken, and we all burst out laughing.
Racism is real. White teacher need to examine their own biases. We have got to connect with all our students. And being able to laugh together play a much bigger part in it than I knew it would.
100%. An ability to recognize it without letting it drown us is a big skill, and it’s earned by creating those relationships. Sounds like you know what you’re doing.
I love how you love what you do!
Haha! Appreciate Anne. Cant say they all deserved one of those cookies, but it’s fun to give them out anyway.
This is so good. Thanks for sharing.
Appreciate it
I love your posts so much! Probably the only account I actively read on substack. Your students sound cool to work with. :))