I am a teacher who stands up for this generation of kids against adults who belittle their experiences, who is in favor of embracing their unique perspectives against criticisms that they are lazy, who is a supporter of expression, against censorship, and who is a defender of students and against complaining about “kids these days” in the lunchroom.
I am a teacher who favors the permanent struggle against the status quo and against silence in the face of injustice.
I am a teacher who rejects the idea that politics do not belong in the classroom, because it is responsible for maintaining the status quo and institutionalized systems of oppression.
I am a teacher full of joy, in spite of cynicism.
I am a teacher who refuses to back down and just “teach what I am told.” I am a teacher proud of advocating for my students.
If I do not struggle for creating an engaging curriculum, then I will no longer be the teacher I promised myself I would be.
Hi, Katie! I also believe that politics have a crucial place in today's classrooms. We are living in a world where powerful economic, religious, cultural, and political conflict is ubiquitous. Education must play a role in preparing today's students to exercise resiliency in environments where controversy abounds, as well as providing an exemplar of democratic civic culture. -Kerren
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kerren! I absolutely agree that education has a huge role in preparing our kids for the reality of the world. Often times admin is hesitant pushes back when we bring up controversial topics in the classroom, but when done thoughtfully in pedagogically sound ways, it greatly empowers our kids!
ReplyDeleteKatie, it really resonated with me the way you stand alongside youth/children and push back against/debunk deficit tropes around laziness. I think in addition to teaching content etc, being advocates for youth and busting these problematic discourses is such a huge part of our work as educators.
ReplyDeleteKatie I absolutely love your page! I graduated DRRHS in 2009 and absolutely loved the school, they are lucky to have you!
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