Session Nine Replies
Jennifer Grinage,
It is interesting to hear your answers and your vision for education.
I've never taught in a school where the population was not diverse and therefore
I bring a different thought to most of these questions. I have found
myself wondering what it would be like to have all students that are similar
to each other and homogenous. It has made a difference to me to teach such
a diversity of students. If you have not had the opportunity to work
with a mixture of students, you may have it happen in the future. Texas
is become more and more diverse with time.
Sincerely,
Tara Hernandez
Valencia Grinage,
I will tell you that you will learn so much from working with a diverse group.
Honestly, I am white and as white as they come. The students I work
with are so different in their culture and ethnicity. You would be
suprised at how much language and other things that you pick up on without
even knowing it. At first, I found it hard because I did not understand
where they were coming from, but after my first year I now understand their
lives. There are challenges when you work to teach those that are different
from yourself, but the reward is in those smiles. Hope you get a chance
someday.
Sincerely,
Tara Hernandez
Amanda Hawkins,
I love your answers and your insight. You did a wonderful job making
your outline. It was interesting to see that your biggest problem is
consistency. One thing that I have been learning is that many students
need a large amount of consistency in order to have trust. It has been
helpful to me to prepare a number of procedures that are expected to be followed
and then I don't have to doubt whether I am going to act. Things that
are written down seem to be easier to act on. Good luck.
Sincerely,
Tara Hernandez
Mikala Hill,
It is my belief that "learning in the classroom goes both ways." I
like your modesty. You are surely capable of doing great things in
the classroom. I admire the way you consider looking and researching
cultures as a way to help you understand your students. Any teacher
that is willing to go that extra mile will most assuredly win the respect
of the parents as well as the students.
My husband is from Puerto Rico and I have had to learn a large amount about
the culture and his family. His parents respect me for my efforts and
it has helped. I am sure that your continuous efforts to learn and
to try will show the parents your willingness, in a diverse class, to help
their child.
Sincerely,
Tara Hernandez
Robert,
That is the most amazing response. I am thrilled with it. In
fact, I usually have a lot to say, but this time I am speechless. Did
that take you a long time to come up with? That was good!
Thanks,
Tara Hernandez