But the large and most important question for me, as a public school teacher, what can I do?
Here are some plans of action for the coming school year.
#1 - NEVER LOSE HOPE - As sad and unnerving the news from Charlottesville is, I must NEVER forget the most immediate and best impact I can have on society is within my classroom. Don't get me wrong, I am not mitigating the impact of demonstrations, contacting representatives, or making my voice heard in other ways. But, I must NEVER succumb to the feeling of hopelessness. As a public educator, I can make a difference, in small ways, in small steps, within my classroom. Working with students and teaching tolerance in small ways, day in and day out.#2 - THE SYLLABUS - Let ALL my students and parents know that I accept them as they are...no questions, no judgment. Building a safe classroom environment starts with me. As I am reviewing my classroom procedures, I notice nothing is mentioned about this in my class syllabus. It states nothing about about accepting ALL students or my goal to create a safe learning environment where bullying and intimidation is not tolerated. IT STARTS HERE!
#3 - RACE ISSUE - Let's face it - discussing race in the classroom such is VERY difficult. As a public school educator, my words carry weight and significances. Words can be misinterpreted or students sometimes only hear a part of a sentence; all of which could led to an angry parent or community. But, as a society we need to face it and understand it is NOT best left untouched. Race can NOT be the elephant in the room any more. But, I must teach my students how to respectfully discuss the issue of race. How to listen and NOT shout. Remind them that our diversity is our STRENGTH!
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