Social Issues in Education

The Black Lives Matter short video on debunking myths is something that I need to show a few people. I find that when I try to talk and educate others on such important topics such as this, my words do not do my thoughts justice. I have heard from a few people that "black lives matter means that their lives are more important" and that "ALL lives matter". I heard someone say that at a family party in front of my friends and I became so embarrassed and felt as if I had to apologize for on their behalf. I try and explain as best I can, but this video does such a wonderful job eloquently addressing opposing opinions and advocating and explaining the moment using analogies and stats. Every single comment one would say in rebuttal to the black lives matter is what I hear when I try to present facts, "blue lives matter" being an example. Reading through the website, Black Lives Matter Herstory,  I was very inspired and proud that 3 strong women started this in...

All 3 readings were insightful and thought provoking. Below is my list of 5. The reading by Heidi Tolentino instantly made me think of the movie Freedom Writers staring Hilary Swank. This thought jumped into my mind because of the similarities in the way the educator handled the topic of race. In the movie and the reading, the teacher had the students write in a way to vent and express their feelings and opinions on particular topics. Doing so both educators were able to communicate effectively and create a bond with their students.  I really admire Heidi's ability to invite open discussion whenever necessary no matter how sensitive the topic. Many educators would have shut both the conversations sh e was presented with down with a quick, "let's focus and get back to the reading". Students need to have these conversations and the way that she allows the students to discuss with each other and invites others to listen and provide input is amazing and what mor...

As discussed in the reading, Who Am I? Who Are My People? , identity formation is a complex web that is an ongoing process. The authors on page 49, describe the key questions one may ask themselves when exploring their identity. "Who am I? What social groups do I want to affiliate with? Where/what/whom are my "community" and home?" The answers to these questions are not easy, no black and white answers. These answers also form the core of our existence according to the authors Kirk and Okazawa-Rey. As an educator, the topic of self- identity and the journey and exploration of self is of the utmost importance. The journey of identity starts young and we as educators need to aid kids on this journey and allow them to express and explore freely. As a kindergarten teacher I hear from students comments such as, " I don't like purple that is girly, only boys can play with the trucks, I only wear boy colors." I find it is not only my job to be teaching these ...