Describe in detail the consequences you might expect for the children and families with whom you work while you experience specific “–ism(s)” in your own life. Include specific examples either those you have and/or are experiencing or ones you would anticipate.
I do not personally feel that I have experienced any “isms” from the children or families who I work with, however some of my coworkers have so it is possible that I may one day. We work in an area that has a large African American student population. While our principal and a few of our teachers are also African American, the majority of our staff, myself included, is Caucasian. It has happened on occasion when an African American student is getting in trouble frequently that they have accused the teacher of being racist. It is my hope that this would never happen to me because I feel that I am very fair and respectful of all cultures and races in which I work. However if it did occur, I feel that I would find it very hurtful, and it would be difficult to continue working with a child and family who had such negative feelings towards me and accused me of being something that I work so diligently to dissolve the world of. I would think that if the child and family truly felt this about me and was not just throwing out defensive accusations, it would be best for all parties for them to move to another classroom. It would be clear that they would not be able to trust me in a way necessary for an optimal learning and developing environment.
Rebecca,
ReplyDeleteI have experienced this type of situation before, and I wrote about it in my blog. I will never forget how I felt when being accused of being racist. I believe it hurt me so much because this was a child that I had put in so much extra time with. It was a child that I gave special attention because of his home life. I was devastated by the things this parent said during our conference, and feel it definitely changed my relationship with this child.
Hi Rebecca. I have to agree. Early childhood professionals that possess any form of "isms" run the risk of compromising relationships, compromising trust, and harming the emotional and mental state of the child and the family. Well said.
ReplyDelete