Derman-
Sparks and Edwards (2010) explain an -ism to be “the institutional advantages
and disadvantages people experience due to their membership in certain social
identity groups” (p. 24). In a previous class, we were asked to analyze and
become familiar with possible -isms we have experienced in our lives; being
aware of your own personal bias is the first step to becoming an anti-bias educator
(Derman- Sparks & Edwards, 2010). I learned that I am impacted the most by
ageism where I feel I am treated differently based on how young I am. In the past, I have spoken about how I feel I
am not often taken seriously when speaking to individuals who have power over
me and during these times, I hold back on my thoughts due to lack of
confidence.
As I consider this -ism and the
impact it may have on the families and children I work with, I consider my
communication with these families. When I began teaching, some families
questioned my knowledge of the field and my strategies for working with their
child based on my age, and my experience as a teacher. While this is a normal
thought one may have for a first-year teacher, I feel it was worse because of
my age. In this case, if I had to consider a possible consequence, I feel I may
not be as open with my communication with these families as everything I said was
questioned. I do believe that I would be professional and not allow my personal
-isms impact my work as best as I could. Derman- Sparks and Edwards (2010) also
explain internalized oppressions where one may feel “self- hate” where one
believes the stereotypes being portrayed as true. At times, I feel this has
happened to me where I begin to believe the stereotypes and, in this example,
second guess my decisions. Second guessing my decisions and teaching style
could be a negative consequence for the families and children I teach because
my confidence in my decision making is not strong, and I may not be following
through with what I truly believe to be best practices for my students.
Unfortunately, this has happened in
my teaching experience where a parent disagreed with my plan for their child,
and as a result I had to change my plan for what I thought was best for the
child. It is hard to say whether this parent made this decision based on my
age, or other circumstances, but nonetheless, it had an impact on my decision making.
Understanding the different -isms
that impact you as an individual is an important step to complete when working
towards and anti-bias education and will aid in one’s understanding of possible
privileges and oppressions one may experience. Simply becoming more aware of
these topics will aid in your understanding of others, and allow you to better
help your students and families work through different -isms.
References
Derman- Sparks, L., & Edwards,
J. O. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington,
DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Brianna,
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you had to experience that with a parent. As, much as we try to support, nurture, and care for our students' development, learning, and their family there are so people who do not comprehend our intentions as educators and fail to help throughout the journey. I hope this did not impact future ordeals with other children and families who will appreciate your knowledge and wisdom no matter your age, race, or any other "isms". "Keep up truckin"
Paola Pared
Brianna,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts on ageism and how it's affected your teaching experience. I resonated with your post because I have felt the same way the past few years! I started teaching when I was 21, and when certain parents found out how young I was, I felt that they thought I was too young or maybe attributed certain characteristics to my age. However, many people were also impressed at the fact that I was teaching at such a young age, and I'm sure they felt the same towards you as well! While ageism can have negative impacts, I'm trying to think of it more positively and demonstrate confidence instead of succumb to the stereotypes of age and professionalism.
Tara
Brianna,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your experience with ageism and how it has affected your work through second guessing and adapting your student plan to appease a parent. Trust me, we have all been in situations where a parent disagreed with what we have planned for their child to be successful in the classroom. There could be several reasons that this occurs. I agree with Tara, I hope you have been able to overcome your thoughts of inequity due to your age and have been more confident in your knowledge. Keep up the great work!
Trish
Brianna,
ReplyDeleteIt stinks that you had to experience a bias like that from your parents. Especially when you are trying so hard to establish that connection with them and you feel like that the trust is lost. But I do applaud that you are able to overlook it and work with the parent on what is best practice for the child versus letting your bias get in the way. That right there shows that you are an effective teacher! Do not give up! Keep providing your resources and sharing what is best for you and your children.
-Kristiana