How do we talk about issues that matter?

 How do we talk about the issues that matter? I think if you asked a group of people this question they would answer it in many different ways. However all of their answers would align with the idea that we need to listen to others. It is primitive as a society that when we talk about issues that matter we listen to each other. Often people will have great passion behind their beliefs when discussing issues that matter. When people are discussing issues that matter perspectives can often be biased or one sided. When reading the article "a letter to the students of colour who were in my History classes" by Dylan Wray he discussed how his unconscious biases led conversations over issues that matter were one sided and often harmful. Dylan in this article said "And I am sorry that, as your reacher, when you needed a voice than your own, I didn't amplify yours" (Wray). I found it so valuable how Dylan pointed out that when discussing issues that matter often our role in conversation is to uplift voices that are often overlooked. I also think it is important when talking about issues that matter we actively acknowledge our own biases towards the matter. Dylan stated that "We all have these unconscious biases against others, and these biases impact the way we treat each other" (Wray).  I think it is important that when having conversations we work become aware of and actively try to get rid of the unconscious biases we may have towards the people we are having conversations with. When we engage in conversation we must talk to people without judgement. In the article "After Eric Garner: One School's Courageous Conversation" Dr. Steven Becton stated that he has "the responsibility to listen to others without judging" (Becton). I thought it was notable that Becton chose the word " responsibility" when explaining why listening to people without judging them is so important. When we choose to take part in conversations over issues that matter it is our duty to listen to people and show them compassion. While it is very important that we listen to others I liked how in the article "Foster Civil Discourse" they pointed out that people should not be "...prioritizing politeness or comfort over getting to the heart of the matter". I think this important because when speaking about issues that matter we should not dance around the issue however really diving in to the matter. When listening to others in conversations and not judging them that does not mean we should avoid voicing our opinions. When talking about issues that matter we should strive to have welcoming and productive conversations. This is very important because a teachers we will have many conversations in our classes. We will also have a great effect on how our students learn to communicate. 

                                      

Why Teach?

I have wanted to be a teacher ever since I can remember. My parents have owned a child care center most of my life. Most of my childhood I spent there after school spending time with the other children. From a young age I enjoyed helping my mother whether it be reading books to the younger children or helping the older students with their homework. As I got older I went there to volunteer and after I graduated from high-school I began to work there. This experience is what truly made me realize that I wanted to work with kids and be a teacher one day. Being able to observe my mother as well as the other teachers work with the children inspired me. Watching the positive impact my mom and the people that worked with her had on the children that went to the daycare made me want to do the same as profession. Seeing my mom choose patience when speaking to the children rather than anger showed me how important educators are in children's lives. The child care center my mom owns and operates is located in a low income area with a very diverse population. She has joined several programs such as Texas School Ready and Texas Rising Star as she believes in the importance of early childhood education for all students not matter their identity. This has inspired me to be a teacher ensuring that I am understanding to all of the students different needs in my classroom try my best to give them all the education they deserve. I feel as though good teachers can truly change the course of their students lives. Whether that be providing emotional support to them or giving them tools they need to succeed in a certain subject that they may struggle with.

I would love to teach either first or second grade. However, I would be happy to teach any elementary grades. I feel as though students in first and second grade specfically need teachers that can help mold their students love for learning and I would like the opportunity to do that. I am specifically looking forward to helping my students with language arts because that was one of my favourite subjects in school as a kid. As a teacher I will strive to give students many learning opportunities where they are able to express their creativity while learning. My second grade teacher always allowed us to express our creativity in many different ways and I hope to do the same. I will also work to create a classroom environment where students have the opportunity to discuss their identity. I am very passionate about creating a classroom environment where all students feel welcomed and valued as an individual. In school I did not always feel as though my culture was valued. It was almost as if some of my teachers taught us to not see each others differences. I as an educator want to teach my students to acknowledge that they may be different from their classmates however these difference are valuable. I am looking forward to teaching my future students but even more than that I am looking forward to all that they will teach me in the process. I am also so excited to decorate my classroom!