What stands out to me as meaningful about the class

 Blog #11

Video: Precious Knowledge

During class, one of the videos I enjoyed the most was "Precious Knowledge." I feel that this video left a profound impression on me because it conveyed a plethora of emotions while witnessing my Latino community strive to be heard and accepted. Furthermore, it led me to deeply reflect on my role as a future educator, understanding the importance of supporting all individuals not based on their background but because they are human beings. I want everyone to feel welcomed and valued in my classroom. As a teacher, I will work diligently to ensure that everyone has equal opportunities and respects each other.

Article: Aria: Richard Rodriguez

This text was one of my favorites because I could relate my personal experience to that of the author. He talks about how some people struggle to want to learn and achieve professional and personal success, but there are certain challenges we are compelled to face, such as setting aside our language to learn another. Based on my personal experience, I acknowledge that the process of adapting to a new language is difficult; it requires time and courage. Personally, I have experienced very stressful moments because I have the desire to learn during my classes, but sometimes it is very difficult to understand them. Just like me, I know that children in schools go through this situation. Therefore, this text left a mark on me. I not only desire to teach languages but also to encourage and motivate my students in this tough process.

Activity: Service Learning

Personally, one of the most enriching activities for me was service learning. It was a unique experience that opened my eyes to the real situation in schools, just as described by the authors in the class texts. Additionally, I greatly enjoy interacting with children in a school environment, assisting them with their assignments, observing each other's progress, and above all, creating a special connection with them. This experience leaves a lasting impression on me because the bond I built with the children motivated me to continue studying and learning to be the educator they deserve.

                     

                                                            

Sharing a lovely drawing of my dog made by one of my students.

 

Queering our Schools

Blog #10
The author Olive Earley of the article titled "Queering Our Schools" argues in a clear and convincing manner that, despite advances in LGBTQ+ rights, many schools are still not safe and welcoming places for queer students. They mention that, although some states have legalized same-sex marriage, there are still cases of discrimination and violence, such as the arson attack on Sasha Fleischman, a gender-neutral student, on a school bus. This illustration provided by the author indicates the urgent need to address homophobia and transphobia in the educational environment. To achieve this, the author suggests that the educational community educate all students about sexual and gender diversity. This idea from the author, from my point of view, seems relevant and essential regarding the topic of inclusion and social justice, which we discussed in class. Essentially, the lack of teaching about sexuality and gender diversity in schools leads students to continue believing in stereotypes, discriminating against others, and bullying those who do not conform to traditional gender or sexual orientation norms. However, including information about different sexual orientations and gender identities in learning could help everyone in the school feel accepted and safe. Thus, everyone can be themselves without worrying about being mistreated. I believe that, just like culture, gender is also a fundamental part of who we are. Just as we learn about different cultures to understand and respect people worldwide, understanding gender diversity helps us to value and accept those with gender identities different from our own. In other words, we would create a world not only more empathetic but also a fairer one.

One of the quotes from the author that I particularly like is "Community is built by working through differences, not sweeping them under a rug." This means that for the educational community to be strong and united, it's important to address these types of conflicts and differences within the community instead of trying to hide them. By ignoring or minimizing issues of homophobia and transphobia, we are perpetuating a situation where discrimination and exclusion continue in schools, and we are missing the opportunity to create an environment where everyone feels heard or valued for who they are.
How do we tackle homophobia in our schools: Click Here

Eliminating Ableism in education

 Blog #9 

Author Thomas Hehir argues that ableism, which entails the devaluation of people with disabilities, is deeply ingrained in the educational system and society at large. He notes that these negative attitudes are deeply embedded in our customs and ways of thinking, and they have a truly detrimental impact on the education of children with disabilities. This limits their opportunities to learn and grow as they are deprived of access to adequate resources, necessary adaptations, and equitable treatment from educators, peers, or society in general. He points out that these negative beliefs not only reinforce prejudices against people with disabilities but can also lead to poor outcomes in school and employment for them. These viewpoints of the author seem quite solid and relevant in the current context. Ableism, like other forms of discrimination, is a very serious problem affecting many people in society. It is not only unjust but also profoundly harmful, as it undermines the dignity and worth of people with disabilities. Therefore, this text by Hehir leads me to reflect on the profound pain that society inflicts on children with disabilities. The way they are marginalized and stigmatized can have a devastating impact on their self-esteem and emotional well-being. Imagining how these children may constantly feel undervalued and excluded simply because of their differences is heartbreaking. Disability is not the real problem; it is the exclusionary attitudes and social structures that limit people. Being different is not a problem; it is a source of talent that should be celebrated in our society. I believe that the diversity in skills and perspectives makes our communities more interesting because it brings many different experiences and knowledge. It's important to create an environment where everyone can fully participate and feel included. When we accept and respect people's differences, we strengthen our human connections and build a better world to live in. Diversity is what truly brings life to our community.

The following article I'm sharing discusses how people with disabilities were treated unfairly in 2022. It focuses on the experiences of those who faced discrimination or encountered obstacles due to their disability. It's particularly interesting because it encourages reflection on the topic and helps us empathize with these individuals' experiences. Click Here