This week we were asked to describe the consequences you
might expect for children and families we work with while experiencing specific
“ism(s)” in our lives. This is something that I have actually experienced while
working in my county. About two years ago I attended a monthly special
educators meeting and by the end of the meeting I felt very uncomfortable. Most
times I am one of the only black teachers in the room. We were asked to
complete group work and at our tables and then present our ideas. I found that
when I would answer questions within my group I was ignored. The person who was
the recorder for the group didn’t seem to value my input and most of my ideas
weren’t written on the group’s poster. What was more disturbing to me was one
of my co-workers who attended the meeting also treated me the same way. Until
that time I felt we had a good working relationship. She also dismissed my
ideas and treated me coldly. When we returned to our building where there is a fairly
even mix of black and white teachers, she acted as if everything was fine and
things were “business as usual”. After the meeting, I lost respect for her and
I felt that her true feelings were revealed at that meeting.
Throughout my career I have experienced racism… I have felt
it from my peers and some of the parents that I’ve worked with. As a result of
the racism I experienced at the beginning of my career, it really made me doubt
myself as a teacher. At that time the opinion of others really did matter to
me. When my career began I thought that I wasn’t being respected because of my
age and my race. It was a very scary time for me. I questioned if I had made
the right choice by entering education. My first year of teaching began in
January of 1996. I was the only black teacher in my building and I had no one
to share my fears or my challenges with. As a result of my treatment I felt very
defensive and I felt that most of the white parents in my class judged me
because of my race. I became very detached from my students and I was extremely
resentful while I was there. I did have two parents who went out of their way
to let me know that the views of the other parents weren’t their views. The consequence of my treatment led me to
leave when I was able to receive tenure. I left and went to a school where the
school community was more welcoming. I have taught at this school for 15 years
and it feels like home.
My past experience did affect my self-confidence and make me
question if I had made the right decision by becoming a teacher. In my county I
don’t think that racism is openly discussed and there is a segregation that does
exist that isn’t widely discussed. When black teaches apply to my county, most
times they are only placed in certain areas. They are placed primarily where
the population is black. Even in 2014, I still see some of the racism that I
experienced in 1996.
Hi Thesha,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your touching story! That is a very hard way for a teacher to begin their career. Our jobs are hard enough without the added pressures of racism (or any of the -isms). I am so proud of your for taking a stand and relocating to another school. Our work environments are so important. As teachers, we must feel comfortable and important in order for us to give back to our little ones. It is sad that there is still issues of racism and segregation in today's society. Your children are so blessed to have a strong, dedicated teacher helping them learn. I hope you had a terrific Thanksgiving! Cindy
Hi Thesha,
ReplyDeleteI really appreciated reading your post. It is so unfortunate that despite the many strides this country as a whole has made in the area of racism, it is still very prevalent in our society. Hearing about experiences such as yours, as well as, my own experiences motivates me even more to becoming the best anti-bias educator I can be because it is obvious that we are needed in this area.
Hi Thesha,
ReplyDeleteIt is sad but very true that racism is still prevalent in our society. I cannot recall experiencing racism in the workplace, but I have experienced it in my personal life. I am sorry that you have had some negative experiences with your peers and some of the parents you have worked with. It is terrible to be ignored and made to feel that your opinions do not matter. I am glad that you were able to regain confidence in your abilities and successfully move on. As early childhood educators, it is very important that we help children to accept and appreciate racial diversity and respect the similarities, as well as the differences in others.
Thesa, I understand how you feel and how often we allow what others think of others to make us doubt our gifts. You seem to be one teacher that cares not only about the students but also about your peers. I have felt that same type of racism in working on the job and it really hurts when you find out. This is also something that lets you realize you never want anybody else to feel how you felt at that moment, certainly not a child. Great post.
ReplyDelete