"Pedagogy must provide a way for students to maintain their cultural integrity while succeeding academically." Waxman, Padron, and Garcia state that, "Culturally responsive teaching emphasizes the everyday concerns of students, such as critical family and community issues, and tries to incorporate these concerns into the curriculum." How can students learn from their teachers if they feel like they cannot relate to them? How can students learn if the lessons they are taught do not present some personal connection to their lives outside of school? How can students learn if the teacher only has one form of communication to distribute?
Being a teacher requires a lot more work than some people may think. I heard once that teachers work just as much as lawyers do, but obviously get paid much less. In order for teachers to have constructive pedagogy and cater to diverse classrooms, they must take on additional roles such as a caregiver, a counselor, a researcher, an entertainer, a motivator, and a leader. Unfortunately, there are a lot of teachers who do the minimum at their jobs and it reflects poorly on themselves, their classrooms, students, and the profession, but there are also amazing teachers who take the time and effort to implement solid pedagogical practices in their classrooms. My hope is that our society can improve on how education is perceived and that teachers will be recognized for their hard work. Students deserve to gain as much as they can from school and dream big.
"A mind once stretched by a new idea never regains its original dimensions"
-Anonymous
Noel, J. (2012). Classic Edition Sources, Multicultural Education (3rd ed.). New York,
NY: McGraw Hill.
I think you hit on a note that everyone in class can identify with. This is my second year of teaching and i still struggle with finding the perfect lessons with my students. The most difficult is that they change each year. Being a teacher is in an easy job, there are several aspects of teaching that the majority of society does not see. I see teachers that have been teaching for 15 years struggle to find plans to fit with thier students because each year they are different.
ReplyDeleteLeigh,
ReplyDeleteI like your ideas about all the roles that teachers must take on in todays society. You are truly on-point! This is especially true with the extra needs of all our students. When students deserve all the extra effort we are required to put towards our students. Both my parents are lawyers and they rarely put in the hours I do :). This is an excellent point that society rarely realizes. I also like that you mentioned it is important for teacher to work as researchers. I like sharing the things I learn in school with my colleagues so they have the same opportunitites I have to improve the daily life for their students.
I agree completely with what you said about teachers being the role model for students and acting as counselor and caregiver as well as teacher. I heard a story of a kindergarden teacher giving her kidney to one of her student's father. Talk about going beyond what a teachers responsibilities are! Being a teacher is fulfilling but it is also a job that keeps you very busy and keeps you constantly thinking about your kids and how to best support them. Hopefully someday other people will see the profession as it is.
ReplyDelete-Katie Landon
When I stop to think of the responsibility that comes with my chosen profession, I often wonder why in the world I chose this. It's one of those things I can't dwell on too long. Is it any wonder that there are those who do not put in the lawyer's hours? Sometimes it is so hard to feel internally motivated (and that is required- kids often fail to provide motivation) when we are wondering how we can possibly pay the bills, buy classroom supplies, etc. Something has to give. Still, if the effort is not given, the job becomes shallow and hollow. I love the work, and I happily donate the hours (and money).
ReplyDelete-Amy Fox
I agree that we need to get to know our students. I think it takes time and practice. I remember my first year teaching. I just wanted to be the best because growing up I had some of those teachers we all dread. I went in with an open mind. I tried to get to know all my students. I asked them questions about their activities. I tried to attend as many as possible. However, I just wasn’t a very good teacher academically. I think it is a process. The more we learn as teachers, and the more we practice, the better we get. I think that also applies with developing relationships with our student and learning about their culture and background. That is what great teachers do. They know their students and the love their students so the sacrifice is worth it.
ReplyDelete