I have a lot to learn about race and culture background, especially as I become a

future educator. I must be an effective ally for all students, meaning honestly examining

my practice as an educator. I must be open to all students regardless of where they

come from and how they are treated at home. In my classroom, it will be a safe,

encouraging environment where every student will be proud to be themself. My main

role as a teacher should include understanding and supporting the various identities

represented by our students.

When I was in elementary school, I struggled with reading. That is part of the

reason I am interested in receiving my reading endorsement to help students like me to

learn it’s okay to struggle, but also how to become a more effective reader and enjoy

reading. My teacher made me feel bad about myself that I had to see a private tutor for

reading 3-4 times a week and got pulled out of the classroom by our reading specialist

during the school day. I didn’t like that I was not good at reading and just wanted to be

as good of a reader as everyone else in my grade. When I took the comprehension

tests, I would get maybe 3 or 4 right out of 10 and all my other classmates would get 8

or higher. I wanted to give up and quit school because I wasn’t confident in myself or my

reading ability.

As an educator, we can help actively create a safe space for all students.

1. “Speak With Your Eyes, Not Your Mouth.” My classroom will be student-

focused. I want to learn from my students. The communities of color or

from oppressed backgrounds that I may have in my classroom are often

stripped of their voices and representation. I will ask them about their
 experiences or thoughts so I can learn about where they come from and

what they have endured or overcame in their life.

2. Educate Myself About My Students. I will understand and care about my

students. It’s my job to know my students, their culture they come from

and help them understand and succeed to be the best version of themself

in any way possible that they might need. Knowing my students will help

me be able to create structures, lessons and activities that give them the

space and validation they so desperately deserve in our classrooms.

3. Be Open to Feedback and Graceful When You Mess Up. The students

that push me to question myself and my beliefs are the ones that will

make me smarter and have a closer, intimate relationship with.

If we are willing to be vulnerable, open and honest with students, we are

modeling the relationships we hope they can have with us.