Charge!

  A charge to stay on guard is what teaching in a n urban setting requires. An on guard mentality is not in regards to one's safety but in regards to saving the lives of the students present. These statements cross my mind and tug at my heart because the more I study our course text--Start Where You Are, But Don't Stay There-- the more I understand that I have to remain alert to my preconceived beliefs about my students in order to deflect stereotyping. As well as guarding my students' from any biases held against them because of their diverse backgrounds. While reading the chapter titled, White Teachers Learning to Teach, there was a story of a teacher who thought she found a cultural truth about African American students because her African American student's preferred verbal examinations instead of written exams. However good this sounds for the teacher to then become considerate of the needs of African American students, it was only hindering the students from the reality that they will need to acquire the skills to succeed at the future written exams. This moment in the text emphasized the significance of weighing every decision I make by assessing if the value of the immediate gratification is worth the risk of possible permanent disqualification. I charge myself and everyone who reads this to consider wholly, the possible outcomes of their decisions in regards to themselves and all other individuals involved.