What type of obstacles have teachers overcome?
In all of the reading this week, we read that all teachers had some type of obstacle to overcome. The obstacles ranged from personal experiences, personal fears, and resources in the classroom. Every teacher goes through these obstacles especially working with diverse group of children and we should constantly be pushing the limits and our working outside of our comfort zone to improve the education for the children.
Holding Nyla discusses the teacher’s personal fears about an inclusion classroom. Once she overcame her fears and accepted Nyla not only did her class accept her as well, they would stick up for her. I can relate to this because I do believe that for adults this situation could be fearful. It true that people are fearful of the unknown or things they don’t understand. So to be put in a situation where you don’t know about a student and their limits and special feeding, it can be fearful. I also think that we don’t give the children enough credit. The children not only accepted Nyla, they embraced her and probably treated her with more respect than their other peers.
Talking the talk discusses the teacher’s obstacles of having resources in their school. How they had a need for different aides that could speak the children’s native language and yet how hard it was for them to provide it for them either because of the pay scale or later because of the education requirement. At our school and many schools I know we are always trying to overcome the funding obstacles. We are constantly trying to stretch the dollar and provide the most useful materials, curriculum and activities we can on our budget.
In new possibilities, it talked about all type of women’s stories and how all of their personal experiences they had to overcome to become teachers. The stories I found were very empowering. I am constantly taking advantage of all of the blessings that I have in my life. When I read these stories, and their fighting spirit, I always think would I have the strength to overcome such hardships? It really puts things in perspective.
Hi Sarah,
ReplyDeleteIn discussing both obstacles and experiences, I begin to wonder if educators encounter these obstacles because of the teacher education programs they experience. Many teacher education programs discuss methodologies and do not address the process of discomfort and evolution as shared in our readings this week. Many of the students I work with often are more interested in being "perfect" than being uncomfortable and evolving. How can teacher education programs create spaces for emerging teachers to be uncomfortable and evolve? How can this process become something substantial for a teacher, possibly strong enough to be a regular practice in all classrooms?
Jeanne
Hey Sarah, I also ask myself the question would I have what it takes to survive and I think the answer is yes. We adapt to our situations and, although some people's lives appear horrific, they have adapted to that way of life. I think we will always face obstacles and challenges and overcoming these is what helps us grow in spirit and charachter. Without facing our fears, can there be growth? I had a two year old in my class once who had type 1 diabetes. I was afraid for her to be in our class of 16 two's! We had to closely monitor her food intake and administer insulin shots and testers. Even though the special equipment involved was nothing compared to a child with cerebral palsy, i was still a little aprhensive. Soon enough, we found a routine and we discovered our 'normal' Her Mom was in tears one day telling me that she never though anyone would take on the responsibility of having her child in their class. That was seven years ago. I saw her the other day, a bubbly, vivacious ten year old. She fully remembered me and it was worht overcoming the initial fearr!
ReplyDeleteHi!
ReplyDeleteFrom reading your blog began to reflect all the obstacle I had gone through with teaching. It's true about going through more obstacles with a diverse multicultural class. But I feel these obstacles are for the better. I always to try and find ways to make activities that are anti bias. I believe our goals for children now are to encourage them that they can be anything from a nurse, construction worker, or to a model no matter what gender.
I am really pleased that you and co-workers are trying to make differences in your school environment. This encourage me to do better myself.
Another comment you made I agree with is applying our readings to real life situations. These stories help me as well to think of activities to help improve our environment for children.
Hi Sarah,
ReplyDeleteYour issue about funding and having to stretch each dollar is a common one facing our field. It's sad that the tough economic times have hit the ECE community so hard. I notice that your school is in Wahiawa which probably means you have a very diverse group of families (both culturally and financially). Has the recent cuts in tuition subsidies by the state affected your program? Has your enrollment of private paying familes gone down in the recent months? I wish you and your program all the best!