Respect Goes a Long Way

I think the rest of my cohort would agree with me when I say that this has been quite the first semester. I have learned so much in many different categories of my life from this class. 

First and foremost I have learned that in order to stretch my thinking and be open to new things I need to drop my defenses. Something that was stressed this semester was that when it comes to understanding the overall causes in education we need to drop our personal experiences to be able to have a more specific picture of what is actually happening. I learned concepts, words, and overall perspectives that I had not been exposed to before. For that I am thankful. I can connect those new tools to the idea of helping our students reach their unique potential. I believe that did and didn’t happen in this classroom. 

Just like Professor Cunningham explained through his illustration, when we have the opportunity to meet new people from all kinds of cultures and backgrounds, we are exposed to know things that push us and help us reach that potential that we have yet to reach. I experienced that through my new relationships with my peers, as well as the talented professors we had this semester. Professor Cunningham pushed us to see things differently, and be able to have a better definition of what we stand for, as well as where we need to continue to grow in our understanding of today’s education.

 I think where there was lacking and was not seen in our class, was an understanding of how we go about reaching that point with our students. I have a full belief that if you want respect, you have to give respect. In my last three years of teaching, I have learned that although it is powerful to be truthful and honest, it is also just as important to develop relationships that show respect to your students. 

We want to make those connections with others who are different than us, and have those unique experiences we can learn from. To do that there has to be some sort of an understanding and layer of trust, both participants in the relationship have to feel a sense of respect for one another, even in differences of opinion. If we want our kids to reach the unique potential, it is our job to help connect those opportunities and bring in those connections and relationships to make that happen for our students. That is not going to happen if bars and guards are raised because we do not show a little kindness or respect to create the relationships that make that happen. Dana Piraino, a wise professor we took this semester, discussed the idea of culture like an iceberg.  We see the surface when we are initially with our kids, but it takes time and effort on our part to learn and understand the deeper larger part underneath that surface. Three hours a week with students does not give you the understanding of who you’re working with. 

When I approach and begin my school year with my kindergarteners, I am going to daily keep in mind the unique potential that is yet to come. I am going to think about who I can connect my kids too, and what experiences of my own can add new branches for my students. I am also going to give them the respect and kindness they deserve, while holding them to high expectations.