Going through our assignments this week, I felt that it was urgent that I get this off my chest! This happened this evening when I was leaving work.
Here is a little bit of background information:
I work in a public school with a pre-k class of Head Start students. When I returned from winter break, my assistant had quit and I have been working by myself the last week and a half. Last week went great, did not mind being by myself. I could regain the control that I had lost previously, but this week all the students came back as if summer break had just taken place. Today I had kids running in the room, screaming at their friends, I had a student cry because he unfortunately for no reason was the last to wash his hands. Chaos was in full force.
So, at the end of the day I am talking with the after school teacher who has some of my students, and a handful of students from the other room. Ever night when I leave I tell her have a good evening and today she said " With Head Start you know there is no structure, they just like to learn through play and stuff, so I have to work with this ( as she pointed to the children wrestling on the floor) at the end of the day".
These words cut me to the core! If my students do not have structure, then I am not a teacher, I am a babysitter. I responded " I am sorry you see it that way, my students have been like this since this morning, and all they have had today is structure and a routine, so I have no idea why they are doing what they are doing." So I continued on my way out the door and repeated my "good night" and added "good luck".
That small comment made me feel like I was a horrible person, because there was no way that I could be a teacher and just let my students play all day long. She made me feel that what I do is insignificant to what she does with them. As I continue to write this, I keep wanting to explain myself and what I do, and how I teach my students, and I should not have to.
Such simple words can have such a profound impact with someone!
Hi Jessica,
ReplyDeleteMicro aggression happens all the time and some of it may be unintentional but I believe that some of it is intentional. As an educator you must learn to not react to what others say especially when you know that you are putting your all into your work. I think that in most cases others realize that they have said something that is not appropriate and that they have caused someone hurt and psychological harm. You have learned what micro aggression is and you have experienced it so the last thing to do is to be an advocate to discourage others when they use the different forms of micro aggressions on others in your presence.
Aloha Jessica!
ReplyDeleteI think you're a great teacher. Preschool is such a wonderful age group to work with. It sure has its tough days, but this is the age where they're learning to follow a routine. Everyday is suppose to be about learning to play, exploring new concepts about various areas of learning, and making connections with others. Routine is very important and I'm sure you do have a well structured program. When I was working with pre-K, I had those days where it was just crazy. I can see someone making a comment like that to me and feel the same way as you did. Like Kiara commented, I agree that now with the knowledge gained we can be an advocate with dealing with microaggressions and how to overcome such unintentional verbal communication. When I moved to teach kindergarten, I got some of my old pre-K children. I got to see the results of both myself and my staff's efforts in keeping such a structured program. Although we may not see our efforts in building a strong foundation for our children's early childhood development, we are definitely making a difference. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Hi Jessica,
ReplyDeleteAs I was reading your blog entry I kept saying breathe Jessica breathe. I have never met you in person hopefully at graduation I will because I think you are an awesome person. Anyway, If I lived near you and I had children I would want them in your room. Since I started my program I have read and had many discussions with you which showed me that you have a passion for children and you love teaching. So with that being said I'm going to need you to take a deep breath and brush off your shoulders what that person said to you. Clearly, from the comments of this blog you can see that you are a great teacher. Also, I agree with Kiara you must learn not react to what others say. Many times people say things that are not really for you they are just lashing out things that they see in themselves. Sadly, micro aggression happens everyday. Don't let personal attacks knock you off balance because the children you provide care for are depending on you. Oh yeah and keep with that routine I believe its very important.... Thanks for sharing.....
Seems to me she has no idea what head start, or learning through play, mean. Please don't let the comments of others bother you. Your job is very important, and I am sure the children are benefiting from your knowledge.
ReplyDelete