Professional Hopes and Goals

Final Blog Assignment

One hope that I have when it comes to working with children and families of diverse backgrounds, is that I forever attain the characteristic of equality. As a teacher, you must run the classroom with complete equality. Things are going to seem insignificant.   Students seem to notice mostly everything a teacher does – from who is favored more, who seems to be punished more, to who the teacher gives precedence to during class activities.   It is very possible to share more in common with or sense more commitment from certain students, but to be as equitable as possible; I know I must run the classroom with as little bias as possible to set an example of equality for students.

If there was a goal to implement for social justice, it would be that ALL teachers of early childhood promote positive social identities that will help children gain confidence and feel comfortable about diversity. This strengthens social, emotional, and cognitive development. As children develop a strong sense of both individual and group identity, they also develop more tools for success in school and in life.

At this present time, I would like to thank all of my colleagues for working so hard and diligently in this course to become one step close to OUR dream!!  It takes so much will power for those who have full time jobs and children and other duties to work so hard to earn a degree.  I, myself, always take a chance because I never know when my unit will call me for a deployment, go tdy, sleep in the fields, etc.  That’s what comes along with being in the military.  I love my job and the people I work with and I have greatly appreciated all the positive comments I have received from all of you.  O, did I ever tell you guys that you’re awesome?  If not……. Hi. Dr. Morgan and fellow classmates,   YOU ARE AWESOME!!  Have a wonderful day, be blessed.

Culture around The World

The country of origin that I choose is Hungary.  Hungarian culture and Hungarian people would be a fascinating topic and learning about their traditions will definitely enhance my life. It will definitely open my eyes to a whole new world and a culture that represents a life less ordinary - customs and beliefs unlike my own, but all the more intriguing for it.  I am sure there are a few features we can look at that are distinctive to Hungarian culture and the mannerisms of its people. It can take some time to get to know a Hungarian on an intimate level or to build strong, deep relationships.  I would say I work in child care facility.

Five ways to Prepare myself to be culturally responsive toward a Hungarian family.

1.       I would first and foremost take the time to educate myself on their culture and rituals including knowing their mannerisms, languages, religion and education system.

2.      I would establish relationships with the children and family and talk about events of their community and traditions as well as integrate ethnic activities in the classroom

3.      I would definitely be caring, committed, and have respectful belief in my students’ abilities and desire to learn.

4.      I will establish a caring environment and warm, personal, positive relationships with my students and prevent and respond to teasing, bullying and exclusion of students and teach conflict resolution skills to maintain friendships.

5.      As a culturally responsive educator, I will communicate effectively inter-culturally; and have the ability of thinking critically and engage effectively with materials from the Hungarian culture.

All of these strategies for cultural responsiveness support the goals for student achievement in a few ways. First, we build a democratic foundation for equal access to education. Secondly, we help students develop their own culturally sensitive skills to be successful in our diverse, multicultural, and global world, enriching not only in our classroom, but our nation as well.

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

  As I remember, there has been several situations with me and another older black female employee who tries to use her age against the work required between the both of us.  We both have the same work titles but yet, most of the workload is on my shoulders all because I am a bit younger than the other lady.  I feel that this is a bias situation because we both get the same pay, work the same hours, and have the exact same title.  Even as I have addressed the issues with my immediate supervisor, nothing has changed.   This pretty much makes me feel as if I have no voice and that nothing can be done about this situation.  In a working environment, I should not have to feel uncomfortable in my space or around anyone there.  It definitely diminishes equity because the situation definitely does not show justice or fairness. In order for the situation to be more equitable, there should be equal workload in the environment, and more respect shown towards all parties.  The supervisors should indeed remember their place and step up to decision making instead of sitting back and letting anything go in the working environment.  In the workplace, I feel that many people are a bit intimidated by the fact that I have a Bachelor's degree and also working on my Master's.  There is not ONE individual there who has a degree and I feel that they try to make my life harder or uncomfortable because of those very reasons.  I tend to just do the work because it does not bother me greatly.  I just go to work to do my work and go home and care for my daughter.