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What lengths am I willing to go to in order to do right by every child?

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We all come from different places and spaces. We all have independent learning styles, have contrasting means of expression and communication styles. There is no one child that is the same; we learn this from a very young age. So, when it comes to being an educator and ensuring every child gets the best version of school possible, we need to embrace all those differences and make learning fun for all students, and most importantly, impactful for each of them. We cannot offer equity in the classroom if we are using the same, old, rigid style of teaching. That is like trying to fit a square into a circle. I believe we can offer equity in the classroom by incorporating culturally responsive instruction into the curriculum. Culturally responsive education requires stepping outside of the typical education box and finding the things that make your students feel connected to the lesson and engages them on a more personal level. This style of teaching will allow me to go even further in...
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Is Schooling Equitable?

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Schooling is not equitable here in America and I don't believe it is equitable anywhere else in the world either. One reason is the existence of systemic racism. It exists just about everywhere humans inhabit.  Some places are better than others, for sure, but it is woven into societies across the globe. How can something be fair, when the very society that it is built on is constructed with only part of the story, or a story that is assigned to someone, doesn't actually belong to them. Chimamanda Ngozi's video “The Danger of a Single Story” (2009), explained this idea so well. Our societies are built on assumptions of other cultures that are not as prevalent in our own. I think if we looked for the similarities we all had, vs. the things that make us different, we would see that many our assumptions as a society or group of people are indeed invalid. Honoring individuals backgrounds and culture by incorporating them into lessons is truly where that 'single story' a...
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How do we talk about issues that matter?

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The issues that matter tend to be topics that are the hardest to navigate and to teach. Some people avoid them altogether and some don't have the skills/ tools to create a discussion or lesson, and do so safely. In order to talk about issues that matter, we must be able to express ideas or even opinions that are sensitive, in a way that all involved in the discussion feel included, heard and respected.  When talking about issues that matter, we must first consider all the students or people involved in the discussion, and ensure that we are creating a space where trust and respect are the most basics of the foundation upon which the discussion is created. One way to do this is to use an empathetic approach, or to consider the lesson or discussion from each of your students' perspectives. As the teacher, this will help us to be prepared in keeping the discussion civil/ safe for everyone. I think drama based instruction/ game facilitation is an excellent way to create a fun learn...
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"I don't know where I'm going, but I'll get there on time."

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Me at 2 years old, reading to my babies   About Me I am 38 years old and am a Junior here at Texas State. I currently work full time as a customer service representative. I love spending time outside with my family, hiking, practicing yoga and am a hobbyist photographer.  Why teach? I have always wanted to be a teacher, it just took me a very long time to realize it. My desire to continue learning has always remained strong throughout all of my life's seasons, and it is through teaching that I see the potential to never stop learning. My Kindergarten teacher was a wonderful role model and made the most impact on my decision to want to be a teacher. She was such a warm soul, and even at the age of 5, I could see her passion for ensuring that each of the children in my class received the best of learning experiences. She really loved what she did and that always resonated with me.  My journey to get here is not typical, but I wouldn't change a thing. I first started sc...
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Location: Leander, TX 78641, USA
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