A few years ago during an MTSS meeting after school at my former campus, the Assistant Principal made a comment that has stuck with me. She made a comment about minorities having expensive vehicles but living in apartments and mobile homes. I had heard statements like this before, but the older I get the more statements like this bother me.
I was especially bothered by the fact that a room full of educators would agree with such a statement. This type of thinking belittled the parents of students that we served. It was also a reminder that some educators think that the way they have lived is how everyone else has.
In this instance, there was an assumption that home ownership is accessible for everyone. The fact is that while some members of our society are able to get the money to buy a home from their parents or other family members, most minorities are not so fortunate. When you factor in other systemic issue of society, things get really difficult.
This situation was a reminder that all of us carry with us certain biases based on how we were raised and our environment. As we serve students we need to check our biases at the door. Our students come to us from various backgrounds, economic situations, and belief systems. It is our job to see them for who they are and to help them become successful and contributing members of society.
As educators we have to always be cognizant of the way that we treat students. Taking time to talk with students gives us insight into their lives. This knowledge helps us when we are delivering content in our classrooms. Our relationships with students can make or break their futures.
My Life In Education… 