“I just don't understand! Why you have to be so simple? Answer me Elizabeth. “Why would you sit there and pee on yourself?” and you think I am going to clean that mess up, well you thought wrong.” “Roselda, go sit down! I told you before you are not going to get a treat, you don't ever do your homework, so you can just sit there amongst the rest of your “friends” until you act like you want to be in this class.” You can give the cupcakes to all the students, but none of those Mexicans expect Jose, he is the only one who does what he is suppose to do in class, all the rest just work my nerves.” Quoted above, are three verbatim statements from a teacher stated to her Hispanic students in her first grade classroom. The last statement
As I quoted in my philosophy of education: “My role as a teacher is to give children the tools with which to cultivate their own gardens of knowledge. To accomplish this goal, I will teach to the needs of each child so that all learners can feel capable and successful.” I, as a future administrator need to increase awareness about racism and demonstrate to the school, students, and faculty that racism is far from being over. Racism is just disregarded. I’m developing a plan that embraces acquiring a group of diverse individuals to promote diversity and inform the community about discrimination and racial profiling. I intend to invite individuals to attend mandatory workshops and seminars that are geared toward increasing awareness. As a future administrator I will start with myself! Checking my own prejudices and reluctance; and being mindful of verbal comments and the non-verbal messages you send to other students or even staff. All of us grew up with ideas, values, biases, prejudices, and idiosyncrasies. We need to spend time figuring out what our own biases and preferences are. In my elementary school I will make a point of other students who are “not like you” to become friends. Getting to know the other culture. (Campbell) I am all for