But is it possible in a world where systemic racism exists?
Racism is not an issue that can be solved overnight. But if we teachers recognize that there is always more to be done, that each and every one of us has a responsibility to do better, and that those first few steps start TODAY, is what really MATTERS NOW!
WE,Teachers and Educators must not waiver from our commitment to this fight, even when the noise dies down.
Systems of oppression are built on a multiplicity of strategies, and it may take just as many to dismantle them.
Empathy is not just a nice thing to do! It is an essential, active skill; it is foundational to embrace differences, building relationships, and communicating more effectively.
Empathy starts with putting yourself in someone else's shoes-a key step in understanding perspectives that differ from your own. Empathy is the most important back-to-school supply.
We can find many websites with long anti-racist reading lists. Indeed the crafters of anti-racist reading lists are mostly making an earnest effort to educate people, but literature and dialogue cannot supplant restorative social policies and laws, organizational change, and structural redress.
Anti-racism efforts are watered down by listening and learning as though it can be acquired through the awakening of people's hearts and minds, INSTEAD of through a clear-cut democratic process!
Nelson Mandela said that in the absence of concrete economic and legislative changes, consciousness raising through anti-racist reading is mere filibustering.
I believe that education is the most valuable tool to dismantle racism and create a more equitable society.
Indeed, reading, watching movies, and listening to lectures is not enough. We need to animate workshops of active learning, growing, and reflecting that will help teachers and students to become anti-bias and anti-racist.
Teachers need to take the opportunity to educate children and teens on social justice. We need to understand that the racism issue will be a conversation people are going to be having and learning about 100 years from now. Therefore, I think we all want to be on the right side of history and to create change.
Students need to take a course in ethnic studies or social justice because it will empower them and it will give them the knowledge, broad perspectives and skills needed to solve society's most pressing problems.
The best teachers do not just teach. Instead, they use their pedagogy as a beacon of peace in order to create peacebuilders who will bring peace and harmony to the world.
My Peace classroom aims to inspire and equip students of all ages to take action for peace in all aspects of their lives, collectively creating a culture of peace in their schools, nationally, and globally.
I share stories of peacemaking-past and present. I display thought-provoking permanent and temporary exhibitions that encourage actions towards peace as a way of life.
Teaching is not about managing behavior, but it is about reaching students where they really are. As we process racial injustices, self-awareness is critical to identifying and processing our complex emotions when things are uncertain and socially turbulent. It is important to teach students to reflect on their strengths, to understand their cultural, racial, and social identities and to examine their implicit biases.
Self-management is also a very important skill that our students need to have in order to develop their resiliency, and express their agency through resisting injustices and practicing anti-racism.
Transformation starts with small steps, short-term wins and a common goal. In the end, transformation is rarely a solo act. Teachers need to be a model for peace; a beacon of light for those who need guidance; so many students have troubled home lives. Teachers are their hope.
Teachers, don't let people pull you into their storm! Pull them into your peace.
Commitment recognizes commitment. Don't wait for others to commit to you. Decide to commit for them. You be the committed one to PEACE and watch how it impacts your team's commitment.
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