How do we talk about issues that matter?

One line from the T1 article that I think branches off from this topic is, "What if these conversations are not actually difficult, but simply unpracticed?". For me this shows how controversial topics are hard to talk about, simply because it often leads to arguments due to people being single minded. We have to train ourselves and learn how to respect others and see things differently.  The big issue is that others aren't sometimes willing to see things the way others do, or they don't have enough knowledge of the topic in order to understand. When talking with others about difficult topics, one must go in with an open mind and set aside their own beliefs. Being bias is normal, however, you have to try and understand where the other person is coming from. There can be disagreement, but  it does not mean that one is right or wrong. Students should be exposed to these issues so that they can practice and learn how to converse. As well as use it to learn, for example with history, as hard as it is to learn about slavery, we need to know how we got to where we are by not making the same mistakes. In the video barometer, the line " I never thought of that side of the argument" sums up the thought process that should be the result of engaging in these conversations. Students don't have to change their views, they simply have to understand both sides and respect what is being taught. As we have done these blog post and replies, I find myself learning new things and seeing things through my peers perspectives. We talk about some deep topics, but by trying to see various views, I find myself more knowledged and able to respectfully conversate with others. These topics are hard to talk about because they are important and have a huge impact on our lives and future. 

How is teaching portrayed to the public?

 It is no secret that media has a huge impact on our decisions and how we choose to see things. According to the article, " Hollywood goes to school", Teachers are displayed as "super teachers", meaning they can alter the students lives as if magically. This creates a high expectation of teachers, and makes it seem like they are able to change every single student to be better and have a better life. The movie, "freedom writers" is a great example of  a "super teacher". Ms. Gruwell  was assigned to teach in a classroom with students of different backgrounds and cultures, who were said to be unteachable. Each student had their own personal issues and many were mainly of  low income. Ms. Gruwell would take them on road trips, give them supplies, and create a family like environment. By showing them how alike they are despite of their differences, she was able to adjust to their needs and get them interested in learning. Not only did she better their grades and get them learning, she also changed their lives and helped them steer away from a troubled life.  As inspiring as the theme is, it makes people believe that all teachers should be that dedicated, however, it is different in reality. Teachers are caring and strive for the best of their students, but they can only do so much, they do not involve themselves the way  the teachers in the movies do. This is also why there are a lot of critics who don't believe teachers are well prepared, and that they are not doing enough. 

What is worth learning?

As of today, they are still restricting from teaching about racism, sex, religion and any other bias topic. Things like the Indian removal act, slavery and LGBTQ, would not be able to be taught. They are also banning books that related to these "controversial" topics. I found an article called, "banned and challenged books", where they have a list of some books by year that have been banned and why. An example is "of mice and men", by john Steinbeck. It is said that it contains racial slurs and stereotypes which is "bad for the students". I remember having to read it in my English class, and sure it was a little weird to me, but I never felt influenced by it in the way critics are claiming. It was an interesting story and the whole point was to analyze the reading, I learned words I didn't know and had to break it into parts to understand it . It upsets me that students now days won't be able to read all these great books that might be tragic in some way, but are very educational and eye opening.

At first I understood why topics like religion should be restricted, those are beliefs that can be taught to the individual by their church or family. It would be easy to disrespect ones religion or teach it the wrong way. However, my thinking changed when I read more of the module regarding banning the other issues like racism. I don't think any topic should be banned because they are important to history and even play a role today. For example, the quote in the article " Texas school district strikes more books from reading list", "After all, how can we expect young people to learn about diversity, if we do not expose them to diverse perspectives in literature?”. I think this quote perfectly explains the benefits of exposing students to these diverse topics. Not only do they learn about other people and how we got to where we are today, but also about themselves. I understand leaving out some details, the goal should be to teach the main concept, and as history changes, keep adding to it. If we are able to teach about the good, we should show the bad as well. we have to teach students life skills and that there will be challenges as well as rewards.

Admin. (2021, April 5). Top 10 most challenged books lists. Advocacy, Legislation & Issues. Retrieved October 28, 2021, from https://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/frequentlychallengedbooks/top10.

What rights should be protected for students and teachers?

 The constitution protects some of the rights of both the students and the teachers. However, as we saw in the many cases and protests, there are many ways those rights could be violated. A big one is freedom of speech, as seen in the Tinker v de moins when students wore a black band in protest of the Vietnam war. Students should be able to express their opinions and what they believe in. That way, they create a school environment where they feel safe and ready to learn. Another big one was the Brown v board where they fought about segregation in transportation. We want our students to feel respected and equal to their peers regardless of their gender, culture, religion, etc. These protests have made history and changed how we are today. Teachers also deserve equality and a fair amount of pay for all the hard work they do. They should be treated as the professionals they are by the students, parents, and peers. Everyone has the right to speak up for themselves and receive what they deserve. 

How does gender affect the teaching profession?

 Throughout history, there has not been equality within female and male teachers. The main issues being that males get paid more than females. It started  with the roles women had of just doing domestic tasks  and not having access to education. As roles changed, women were able to do more, however they were placed obstacles so it would be harder for them to achieve what they wanted. Males have always wanted to dominate and that's why they feared women being their equals. Men didn't believe women were capable of doing a mans job. They looked down on them, therefore didn't give them all the rights they deserved. Women are seen as soft and not educated enough to teach others the way a male is. Even though there are more female teachers today, there is a lot of criticism as to whether the children are actually learning, and if the teacher is qualified. Even thought things have changed for the better of women teachers, I think there will always be that mistrust from critics who think women are not worthy of teaching the future generation. 

What is the purpose of schools?

Through the years school has had different purposes, however, it has always brought up controversy. I think school has a different meaning for everyone, but the main goal is the education aspect. It was always a matter of what should be taught and to who. School is a way to prepare children for adulthood and to help them develop. Teachers want to introduce the real world and set them up for success. I think there is no set purpose for what school should be, but I do believe that it is put forth in order to provide the necessary knowledge for kids to become adults.

Why teach?

   I've struggled to find what I wanted to be in the future. Everyone would ask what my goals were and that question would always stress me out. I had no idea of what path I wanted to take, I was trying to please others as well as myself. It was a matter of figuring out who I was as a person and what made me happy. I used to teach dance to elementary kids who mainly spoke Spanish. I found most joy in helping them and seeing the kids achieve something they were struggling with. It also made me realize how language was a big problem and advantage. From this experience, I figured I could use my Spanish speaking skills and experience of struggling with language, to help kids who are also struggling. I want to make an impact in lives, and its especially essential for kids and their development to start at a young age.

   My goal is to teach in the bilingual classes for Spanish speakers. I have not quiet thought of an exact grade level, I want to try different grades to get different experiences. I want to have a very visual and hands on classroom setting. I tend to learn best like that and I think it'll be good for the kids so they can stay focused. I like to have fun, and encourage creativity, my classroom will be a learning environment made to teach not only school subjects, but also the kids own personalities and place in life.