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Teachers and diversity literature/education
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From: maggie_bo_at_comcast.net
Date: Mon, 18 Feb 2013 15:07:48 +0000 (UTC)
I agree. This is a wonderful resource, and I would love for more people--including teachers--to read this. I think teachers are an important part of the equation that we don't always discuss.
The teachers I work with, with a few notable exceptions, all have highly positive attitudes toward inclusiveness and diversity. Ex: they want our ELL students to have access to materials in their language of origin; we have "celebrate diversity" posters all over the place; they are for immigration law reform; etc. But, even (sadly) the very youngest of them are amazingly ignorant when it comes to the specifics. They use language referring to American Indians that is horribly offensive, and they have no idea that they're doing it. They talk fondly of favorite books from childhood with no understanding of the hurtful stereotypes they convey. And so on. Personally, this month's topic has inspired me to step up my game when it comes to serving as a resource for my teachers for diversity literature and education (whether asked or not!). Many will be receptive.
There is a huge difference between a bad attitude and simple ignorance, which was sort of what I was trying to get at earlier--the problem is, the end result for kids is often not much different. What I do think is important is avoiding frightening off ignorant but well-meaning folks from starting to get involved, if that makes any sense. (There are plenty of areas where I am still quite ignorant myself, and I am sure I still make way too many mistakes. Education is an ongoing project!)
What is truly disturbing to me is that teachers, especially the ones in their early 20's, have not learned any better in their colleges and universities. Shouldn't this be integrated into every teacher training program (as it is in nearly every library school)???? Does anyone know if this is starting to change anywhere? I think it would help us make a huge leap forward if the teachers in our schools were better educated. They want to learn, and many of them would be such great examples/advocates if they were adequately trained! Not to mention.... it's not uncommon for teachers to become writers!
Maggie Bokelman Librarian Eagle View Middle School Mechanicsburg, PA
Received on Mon 18 Feb 2013 03:07:48 PM CST
Date: Mon, 18 Feb 2013 15:07:48 +0000 (UTC)
I agree. This is a wonderful resource, and I would love for more people--including teachers--to read this. I think teachers are an important part of the equation that we don't always discuss.
The teachers I work with, with a few notable exceptions, all have highly positive attitudes toward inclusiveness and diversity. Ex: they want our ELL students to have access to materials in their language of origin; we have "celebrate diversity" posters all over the place; they are for immigration law reform; etc. But, even (sadly) the very youngest of them are amazingly ignorant when it comes to the specifics. They use language referring to American Indians that is horribly offensive, and they have no idea that they're doing it. They talk fondly of favorite books from childhood with no understanding of the hurtful stereotypes they convey. And so on. Personally, this month's topic has inspired me to step up my game when it comes to serving as a resource for my teachers for diversity literature and education (whether asked or not!). Many will be receptive.
There is a huge difference between a bad attitude and simple ignorance, which was sort of what I was trying to get at earlier--the problem is, the end result for kids is often not much different. What I do think is important is avoiding frightening off ignorant but well-meaning folks from starting to get involved, if that makes any sense. (There are plenty of areas where I am still quite ignorant myself, and I am sure I still make way too many mistakes. Education is an ongoing project!)
What is truly disturbing to me is that teachers, especially the ones in their early 20's, have not learned any better in their colleges and universities. Shouldn't this be integrated into every teacher training program (as it is in nearly every library school)???? Does anyone know if this is starting to change anywhere? I think it would help us make a huge leap forward if the teachers in our schools were better educated. They want to learn, and many of them would be such great examples/advocates if they were adequately trained! Not to mention.... it's not uncommon for teachers to become writers!
Maggie Bokelman Librarian Eagle View Middle School Mechanicsburg, PA
Received on Mon 18 Feb 2013 03:07:48 PM CST
