Multicultural Education

During this course I had the benefit of exploring different SES, different communities and sections of the United States, the people that live there and their cultures and religions. All of this knowledge makes it easier to understand and teach the students in my classroom.

I learned that every SES comes with its own unique issues, that I need to be able to recognize these problems and how best to address them. For instance, I learned that children from very high SES are often left on their own more often and often do not have school supplies or lunch. I also learned that just because someone defines themselves middle class they may not be. I need to be aware of projects and lessons I create needing supplies that may cost money or require running around to acquire.

I particularly enjoyed addressing awkward questions that may arise and how best to handle them; exampled by the question of why a student had two mommies. The question of what to do when planning for an event that clashes with a student’s religion got me to think about how important it is to know your students and use pre-planning skills.

The chapters that addressed communities and their own cultural makeup and the importance of being aware of the state or area you are teaching in were extremely helpful. It made me realize that I may need to be creative in hitting the benchmarks required of me but also adjusting to the area in which I work.

It is especially important to undersand that each student regardless of their background has their own personal issues and needs. I need to have the skills to adjust my teaching and know how to accomodate each student.

I truly enjoyed the class and even if a topic arose that I was familiar with I ended up learning even more! It is so important that we teach diversity especially in America because we are such a diverse country.

Maintenance Approach vs. Transitional Bilingual

Maintenance Approach vs. Transitional Bilingual

With the rising rate of English language learners in Florida schools, up 18% per an article for Central Florida Matters in April of 2011 (cmfmedia.org), teachers and schools must be prepared to utilize and provide appropriate programs. There are two programs currently used in our schools, but which one has the best approach, the maintenance approach or the transitional bilingual?

With the maintenance approach, also known as the developmental approach, the student has the best of both worlds. The student is able to retain their native language and culture, use this familiar knowledge to continue academic instruction while learning the English language and culture. This program keeps the student on a forward moving academic path, maintains self esteem, and the student in the end is bicultural and bilingual. Two reasons this is the best possible solution, one the student does not see one culture more important than the other and secondly this student will be able to navigate the global market more effectively.

The Transitional bilingual program uses the native language to assist the student in continuing their academic studies while learning the English language and culture. As the student becomes more proficient in using English the native language is slowly dropped. In the end the student does not use the native language or retain the native culture unless at home; the student is not truly bilingual in tongue or culture. This student is left with the feeling that their native culture is not valued or important to the dominant culture and in the end we have produce a student who is not ready to participate in a global market.

It is obvious that providing maintenance programs are the best choice, however they are not the norm and it is rare to find a school that offers the approach.

Issues a Teacher Must Be Aware Of

Important Issues a Teacher Must Remember

There are so many issues a teacher must address as she works to educate her students. After all students are all different, with different backgrounds and as they grow they form their own opinions through their different experiences.

There are issues that will come up when teaching each age level, these are the issues that a teacher must be aware of and know how to best address.

In the Pre- School years children are more likely to form their own prejudices, regardless of their family’s beliefs. They are more likely to attend a nursery school in their own community and less likely to have exposure to diverse cultures. It is important that an Early Childhood teacher provide opportunities for young children to experience other cultures, this will make the later years in school easier and give them the head start they will need to become globally competitive in their careers.

Child abuse can happen at any grade level, a teacher needs to be able to recognize physical and mental abuse. Proper, informative sex education courses need to be integrated at all grade levels, this will reduce diseases, teen pregnancy and educators can inform students in a positive manner.

In middle school years and then entering high school, students are at greater risk for entering gangs, illegal activity, substance abuse, violence and teen suicide. It is important for a teacher to be aware of warning signs for all these areas, not be afraid to discuss these issues openly with students, or approach a student that is showing signs of trouble. Most importantly, a teacher needs to know the school’s policy on how best to handle these situations and the agencies and resources available.

With the help of parents, school administration and teachers who are aware of what issues affect a child’s age group, children can have a positive school career and have a smooth transition into adulthood.

Which geographical area I want to work in.

The Ideal Area to Teach

Where is the perfect area to teach; is it the city, a small town, should it be the East or West Coast, do you prefer warm or cooler weather?

For me it is not about the perfect place to teach, but where can I get a job! Oh, of course in a perfect world, it would be close to home, in a great neighborhood, and all the resources I need to be a successful teacher at my fingertips. But today that is not a realistic ideal; with so many teachers out of work we may not have the opportunity to be choosey.

I am going back to school later in life, my kids are older and it is my turn to start a second career (my first being a full time mom, with part time jobs).  I also decided that going back to school for a professional career was something I needed to do for myself. I could have gone to school for business, I always wanted to run my own store, but I realized that because of my own children and my strong beliefs in education, that being in the classroom and teaching was a much better fit. That being said, I now NEED to find a job after I graduate, I must pay off a student loan and start contributing financially to my household.

There is a second point, when considering this question that popped into my head, “a teacher goes where they are needed, and can to the most good”. I know this sounds a little idealistic, but I have talked with many teachers since starting my observations, and 2 of them specifically changed assignments to work where they felt their skills were best utilized. I would like to think, as a new teacher fresh from school, that I could have a positive impact on my students.

So for now, I have to say I will go where I am given an opportunity and see where my experiences lead me!