Troublemakers Response Question
At the end of Troublemakers, author Carla Shalaby offers a letter to teachers, and within this poses questions that the reader can take and think about long after they close the book. One question that stood out to me was, "How will we try to heal one another, to address human needs, and to alleviate harms to human being that we see out in the world?" This question stood out to me because if I reflect on my schooling, no matter what level it may be, the world was a separate entity, never to be brought into the classroom. Carla offers different ideas such as raising "solutionaries" and learning freedom from students. To me, addressing this question cannot be done by one teacher alone in one lesson plan. It's a question that has the power to call other teachers to action and to wake up. That after students leave the school, they are in the world teachers work so hard to keep out and censor within the classroom. I believe that if teachers, traditional or not, understand the impact they can leave on people, not just students, then they can begin to teach what is truly important. It's important to encourage difference, empathy, patience, generosity, but also it's important to show humanity. It would be unrealistic to expect teachers to turn off what makes them human; that is, to have them never lose their patience, never be annoyed or frustrated. Instead, teachers should be honest about how they're feeling, and demonstrate community involved solutions. That way, when students come across people who aren't as socially conscious as they are in the real world outside, they can respond appropriately with understanding and empathy. Classrooms should mimic the good in the world around them, so that that goodness can be cultivated and encouraged. This is a very idealistic answer, but often large-scale change starts with just that; ideas.
This is so true! It is so important to keep honesty as a main priority in the classroom for teachers and students alike. Humanity in the classroom allows for a much deeper level of respect for all participants in learning. I truly believe that where there is respect and understanding of our needs, there is an increased opportunity for learning.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your post Maddi--I wholeheartedly agree with your point about teachers maintaining their humanness. Teachers face external pressures to perform and achieve, just like students. Instead of attempting to be perfect, we should be acknowledging these imperfections and mistakes, and modeling how we will move forward from them for our students. Not only is this an important learning opportunity, but it is an opportunity for everyone to connect in a very real way.
ReplyDeleteHi, Maddi! I appreciate your post so much. I think that teachers often view students as purely students and sometimes fail to see them as people. Likewise, as you said, teachers often forget to portray themselves as people, feeling afraid to make mistakes or come unhinged. It is unrealistic to appear picture perfect at all times. Teachers who function as humans will have a better chance at connecting with students on a deeper level. Great response!
ReplyDeleteYou're so right Maddi when you say that students are in the real world as soon as they leave the classroom. Teachers always told me growing up that I would use what I learn when I'm older and in the real world. For students who have struggle in their home life, they understand struggle and hardships, and when their "real world" life feels more important than their "school" life, they will definitely become less interested in school. You're definitely right that teachers can teach their students more than just subjects in a book, but can also promote positive learning attitudes and feelings of acceptance, which encourage a greater world moving forward.
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