I decided to continue this blog as a means to explore, analyze, and reflect on my journey to becoming a teacher. Last winter term (winter 2012) as a class requirement I had to keep a blog regularly. This class assignment proved to be a great tool.
Anyways, this semester I am taking EXPS 410 (Multiculturalism in Schools & Society). Last week our lecture was on culture, language, and learning. During class my professor showed us a clip of a documentary about a school district in L.A.
I cannot remember how old the movie was nor the specific district. However, a week later this piece continues to resonate with me. The majority of the district was of Hispanic or Latino descent. The teacher who made this piece gave a frightening but insightful vision of the lives of these children from grades 4-8 or so. The clip began with the teacher talking to six children. She asked kids questions like: What is the biggest misconception of your culture, and a question that broke my heart: How many of you have witnessed murder? The answer my ears received was enough to make me cry. 5/6 of the children have witnessed murder. A boy about 9 or 10 was still nursing the wound of loosing his friend when his teacher asked if he needed to go out in the hall for a minute to be alone.
These children and their families are among many who live in an apartment across the street from "the black market" which is also quite close to the school. This "black market" sells drugs and fake green cards for five dollars. Residents of this apartment pay $500 a month for rent in a worn out building. Several families share these rooms. Sometimes repairs are not made. The worst part is that these families who often have two adults working either odd jobs or two cannot always pay rent. The landlord doesn't offer any understanding or aid at all. Payment is expected or else.
The teacher followed or shadowed one specific student who was 10 or 11. The girl often comes home before her mother, who works two jobs. She has lost members of her family to murder including her dad. The death of her father resulted in her and her mother and uncle being "homeless" for about a month. The family were locked out of their place and were forced to take shelter in an abandoned apartment room. During this time her teacher was obviously concerned. She grew frustrated when she couldn't get a hold of the mother. Eventually she found out the plight of the girl and her family. About a month later the family were able to move back. Perhaps the landlord had some compassion.
This little girl had more life experience than a little girl should. What many of us would view as nightmares which in turn could ultimately defeat us, made her stronger. At some point during the movie the little girl read a saying in Spanish which has been etched upon my heart. The English translation: "Where Jesus is present, nothing is missing." Then the teacher asked, "is there anything missing?" She answered, her dad. Yet, as sad as her answer was her eyes were full of hope and joy. (Which seems to solidify the necessity of possessing hope in one's heart.)
The following day she was at school. This girl had such a zeal for life and learning. In some way school wasn't just some place for learning but a haven.
This movie left a huge mark. After class I made myself a personal vow that I would expect to learn a thing or two from my students. (This movie clip further solidified my belief that in order to facilitate a community of learners a teacher needs to acknowledge that their students have experiences and or insight that will enhance their lessons. These contributions in turn create and strengthen the community.
I also found myself wondering, how can I help my future students without over stepping my boundaries. For example if I have a student in my class who is poor what resources can I offer to that student's family; providing that they are willing to be helped. It is important for teachers to make sure their students are proficient in the content areas in which they are teaching. It is important to try to involve parents and be concern for the welfare for all your students.
I want to be a compassionate mentor and teacher to all my future students. If a student's family needs help and they have given me their consent, I want to mobilize the necessary resources for that family. Responsibilities evolve and grow, as a child grows, but first and foremost the child needs to be able to be a child. Second they must have a healthy and friendly environment in which to learn.
What other roles will I or can I play as a teacher? I don't want to go home after the final school bell. I do not want to just write up lesson plans and check homework/tests. I want to do more than just create a community of learners, who hopefully want to share ideas and concepts (who enjoy learning). I want to make sure my students have the resources they need.
My future classroom isn't just over the horizon and yet it isn't miles away either. I am currently and eagerly working toward this aspiration. I am still shaping my teaching philosophy but I know it will take some time to shape a solid teaching mission statement to guide my learning community.
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