Weblog 6: Crossing Over to Canaan (Ch. 3-5)

I believe that today the world is accepting so many more differences in individuals than in the past. Classrooms are filled with male and female children of numerous races, religions, economic statuses, social statuses, etc. Teachers should focus more on individuals instead of grouping them together by their gender, race, etc. Every child is different and has different needs, and I think it’s very important for teachers to accept and reach out to each student.
All students deserve an equal chance to achieve. Sometimes the people in our society can be so unwilling to change that it affects the future for our young generation. In the past, blacks were not expected to rise to the top. The working class families are have been expected to not attend college since they don’t have money. Stereotypes still poison the children in our society and it is hard for them to break through it. Teachers need to assess students on their own individual basis and have the same guidelines for each student. I believe that by doing this, children will learn to accept everyone for who they are and continue to a higher achievement.
As for cultural competence, I believe that a major part of this lies on the teacher. The teacher needs to be aware of all the cultural differences in his/her classroom. I think that a teacher should educate him/herself on each of the student’s backgrounds (even if this must be done outside the classroom) so that there is a comfortable and understanding environment created. A teacher should also encourage students to teach others about their backgrounds.
Sociopolitical consciousness is also important in the classroom. In order to teach children, I think that a teacher needs to be aware of the world around them first. A teacher must indulge themselves in be knowledgeable about social justice and public good so that they can then educate their students.