Many of you probably didn't even notice me stumbling over my words yesterday during our jigsaw assignment. I, however, was struggling with an overwhelming degree of anxiety. I FEAR speaking in front of my peers....(yes, it is different in front of children). I felt a need to speak publically yesterday because of the comments being made to those of us who weren't participating enough in class. (That was the only reason I felt a need to conquer this fear...) Well, as I struggled, stumbled, and nearly passed out....I quietly asked Jessica to recover our summary I was trying to describe to the group. Jessica didn't hesitate to pick up where I left off, which was so smooth....you probably didn't even realize!
PhilWP is a learning experience in so many ways. My experience right now is directly from yesterday's reaction sheet....."Working outside your comfort level usually leads to growth." So, thank you for these words of wisdom and thank you again, Jessica!
Summer Institute 1 Fellows
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Today, someone mentioned her doubts about being at a school now (at which, I gather, she is one of the few white teachers, teaching prodominately black students). I feel strongly that exposure to different races is vital to all of our children. In our broken system, where re-segregation has re-asserted itself (through class and income levels and other ways), people (teachers and students) still need to see a range of people of different races. So being one of few white teachers at a predominately black school (both in terms of teachers and students) serves a significant function. We all must be visible to be human.
In response to the comment I also had doubts after yesterday's conversation if I am capable of educating children of another race as good as someone of their own race. Thank you for the thought that students can learn and need to see those form all races and iof they don't it could be considered a type of re-segregation.
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