Culturally Relevant Teaching Academy

Reflection on Competency 2

Sometimes, without realizing it in education, we are biased when it comes to programs and practices. I do understand budgets and politics, but I also know how it affects student achievement. I also understand that educational policy can mitigate educational inequalities. We hear and read about inequalities in the news and how it affects the students, teachers, and schools. One way to tackle bias in education is to provide PD’s just as we are now. I consider myself someone who tries to bring about change and focus on the positive. My short-term goal is to be aware of my personal biases, especially those that might be hidden, and I don’t even know. The tool provided today is a start to recognizing them. The times are changing and with it, so do beliefs and customs. So, it is essential to be aware of our personal beliefs and customs and how it affects others. I need to be mindful of harmful stereotypes. Being aware of them, I will be better at addressing issues that may come up in the classroom or elsewhere. My long-term goal would be to see how with my expertise in ESL, I may provide insight into educational inequalities that might not be known otherwise.

Reflection on Competency 1

The importance of reflection of one's own cultural bias cannot be over-emphasized.  Spending time in reflection and committing to identifying one's owns biases and being willing to make adjustments is the first step in creating a culturally balance classroom environment in which all students can feel comfortable. Virtual classroom are affected in the same ways.  Internalizing biases without addressing them is a silent destructive force.  Using this tool has been such an eye-opener.  I spent more thoughtful lesson prep time to think about possible biases on how they might affect students as well as myself as an educator.  Am I being effective?  How is efficacy defined?  All these things must be considered.  

I agree. Sometime we don't realize that our biases are displayed in the classroom. It is very important that we evaluate ourselves. Students can not learn in a classroom where they do not feel safe or they are not accepted for who they are.

Competency#1: Reflect on One's Cultural Lens

Short-term Goal: Make a deliberate effort to note differences between the identity of students/colleagues and myself.

Long-term Goal: Note differences that affect interactions with others & regularly monitor my actions & adjust as needed to minimize unintended effects.

Competency#2

Short-term Goal: make a conscious effort to take a deeper looks at biases that I thought may have been a norm and think outside the box.

Long-term Goal: Educate myself as much as possible and use “getting to know your students” tools as needed- such as surveys and discussions to be a more effective educator with minimal bias.