Evaluating Impacts on Professional Practice

Describe in detail the consequences you might expect for the children and families with whom you work while you experience specific “–ism(s)” in your own life. Include specific examples either those you have and/or are experiencing or ones you would anticipate.

At the current time I am not an educator; however I have encountered some issues with “ISMS” as I did my student teaching.

One day I was asked to assist Mr. Hernandez 3^rd Grade class. As I introduced myself one of the child’s parents interrupted and asked where was I from. I advised her that I was a native Houstonian. She went on to say that my name sound like it can from the motherland implying that my name was from Africa.  I got very upset and asked Mr. Hernandez if I could speak with him outside. I did not want to create a scene in front of the children.

While we were outside the classroom I told Mr. Hernandez that I was offended by the parent’s comment. He first thanked me for not getting upset in front of the students. As a professional I do not like to create conflict and I also like to set positive examples for children who cross my path. Mr. Hernandez did agree that the parent comment was racist and he indicated that he would address the issue with the parent while I carry out the lesson.

When we entered the classroom the students were anxious to get to the learning center as we left them on the carpet tracing their alphabets. While in the learning center one child asked me was I ok. I smiled and said yes Matthew thank you for asking. He said your eyes do not look as bright as they were when we got here this morning. It concerned me that the student was able to see that I was bothered. Mr. Hernandez spoke with the parent  in back of the class then she asked to speak with me. She apologized for her actions and indicated that at the time she said the comment she did not think about what she was saying. As educators we must think things through before responding so that we do not say things that are harmful to others. We must not reference one’s race, ethnicity or culture in an effort to create an anti-bias classroom. As the day went on I smiled so that I would not let my emotions interfere we me providing children with quality learning experiences.