One hope that I have when I think about working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds is that my attitude and behavior will always demonstrate acceptance and respect for all types of diversity. This course has provided me the opportunity to examine myself in a way that I had not done in previous years. Through reflection and some reexamination, I have learned a lot about myself and now know what I need to do to call myself an anti-bias educator.
One goal I would like to set for the early childhood field is to make sure that all early childhood professionals and staff be trained and educated on issues of diversity, equity, and social justice. I think it is essential for everyone in the field of education and early childhood to be aware of how biases influence our society and everyone in it. If we all do our part to make education more equitable and just for people from all types of backgrounds, then we will be able to make a tremendous impact on the lives of children and their families. As educators, we can’t control what is being taught at home, but we can set criteria of respect and tolerance when our students are in our classrooms.
I want to take this opportunity to thank all of my colleges for their input and support throughout this learning process that we have undergone together. This class has been a great learning experience. It has been so wonderful to have the support of my classmates through this class. I have enjoyed the opportunity to communicate and collaborate with my peers throughout this class. I appreciate all the responses and comments they have helped me look deeper and think harder. Thank you so much for everything, and I hope to see you all in the next class on our journey!!
Keli,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you about more educators having training in issues of diversity and social justice. I think to myself often how I wish some of the teachers around me had easier and better access to these type of training so they can understand what I have learned and share with me. I enjoyed all your posts and I hope I get to see you again in the future. Thank you for sharing!
Keli,
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more with your goal for early childhood educators. I think we need to start a dialogue about the biases we hold because it is the only way to make lasting and meaningful change in the world. You echo my thoughts when you say that we can't control what goes on at home, but we do spend a lot of time with these children and we are capable of igniting some core beliefs about acceptance within these little people that hopefully they will remember down the road.
April
Keli,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your goals and hopes for the future. I agree that this course has allowed me to review my bias and prejudice in a way that I have not before. I believe that the reflective journal has been a large part of this reflection. Also, I find the feedback for you and our other colleagues to help me greatly on this journey. The assignments that we had to do that concerned art were very helpful to my understanding and growth.
Again thank you for sharing,
Amanda
Keli,
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely correct when you stated that early childhood professionals need to be trained in diversity in order to be great educators. I enjoyed embarking on another educational journey with you and thank you for sharing some of your experiences with the class. I wish you much success in the future.