Course Reflection Assignment

This course has led to an increased awareness of my own collaborative style and cultural competence. With regards to Standard 8.2, Growing and Developing Professionally, I learned that when teachers collaborate, not only does it boost teaching effectiveness, but it also helps ensure teacher retention. I think the best way I can offer myself in collaboration with colleagues and families is my viewpoint as a minority male. I realize I will more than likely be working with a large majority of white teachers, who could benefit from my viewpoint, just as much as I could from them, since many of my students will have a different background than myself. This collaborative attitude can lend itself to culturally relevant teaching.

As a future teacher I think it is important for all teachers to understand their culture so they can relate to other students and recognize how their culture will impact their teaching. Ladson-Billings (2001) described culturally competent teachers as: Teachers who…do not spend their time trying to be hip and cool and “down” with their students. They know enough about students’ cultural and individual life circumstances to be able to communicate well with them. They understand the need to study the students because they believe there is something there worth learning. They know that students who have the academic and cultural wherewithal to succeed in school without losing their identities are better prepared to be of service to others; in a democracy, this commitment to the public good is paramount. (p. 5) After reading Ladson-Billings’ literature, I reflected on myself as a future black teacher; I will be a minority in the staff room. I ask myself, “How will I be perceived as a black male teacher, by colleagues, by students, by families?” I am confident that working outside of my comfort zone, as I’ve done for years already, will assist me in overcoming difficulties that arise. In this way, I can empathize with students of varying backgrounds and cultures, and look forward to getting to know them. Once that rapport is built, according to the article, and communication is in place, students will believe that there is something worth learning, and my instruction will have a larger impact on student achievement.

As an educator, I am going to face cultural differences with students, parents and colleagues. Facets of my culture that may lead to such differences would be, the fact that I am from Africa, have an accent, and am a male elementary-level educator. I definitely don’t fit the norm, which may bring out feelings of curiosity or even uneasiness in others. In order to reduce misunderstandings, I would need to communicate clearly to these groups, and give them information about me, which they may be able to relate to. I can also raise my own awareness and understanding of my own culture by reflecting on my life as the eldest in a large family- I am a natural leader; knowing this, I need to allow myself to get to know students, families, and colleagues- to lead in a collaborative way that gives others control too. This also connects with Teacher Collaboration, and how I can work with my colleagues to create a positive school environment and increased student achievement.

Next steps to grow as a future teacher are to get into the classroom and be more hands-on rather than learning through a book and lectures. I need to be doing the work to really know what it takes to be a teacher. With regards to cultural competency, my next steps for growing in this area, are to continue to meet people from various backgrounds, travel, and read literature about children with various disabilities, to have a better understand of the cultural background they are coming from.

 References

Ladson-Billings, G. (1995). But that’s just good teaching!: The case for culturally relevant pedagogy. Theory into Practice, 34, 161-165.

Ladson-Billings, G. (2001). Teaching and cultural competence: What does it take to be a successful teacher in a diverse classroom? Rethinking Schools Online, 15(4) 1-5.