LearnHub

Although I recognize the benefit of having teachers who are knowledgeable about student culture to relate to students and help inspire them, I believe that is only one of many factors that contributes to a teacher’s ability to inspire his or her students. Many students do not see themselves in their teachers: race and ethnicity, socioeconomic group, sexual orientation, physical handicaps, gender, religious practice or personal history. My own school is staffed largely by white, middle-class, university-educated, Canadian-born individuals (and Catholic). In one way or another that is not most of the student body. And not too surprisingly, most teachers do not have the same music, movie, and other cultural interests as their students. I remember I was about ten years into teaching when I realized I had lost track of my students’ culture, despite the fact that I was discussing all sorts of things with them in English class.

I don’t despair. I think inspiration is elsewhere. Teachers inspire students by engaging them in excellent lessons and presenting them with opportunities. Teachers inspire by praising and rewarding good work. Teachers inspire by sharing their own love of teaching and the subject matter. Our own sense of hope and belief in the possibilities in life and in our students can inspire. I think a big part of of inspiration is love and respect. I think the teachers who inspired me the most were those that showed me they valued me and my work. Maybe that’s the best gift we can offer students.

I believe those teachers are out there.

Though I do believe that teachers can inspire students with their passion for learning; I strongly believe that teachers must be aware of all the different cultural backgrounds that are represented in their classroom and their school communities. Also, knowing about students’ cultures is not enough, it must be continuously brought into the classroom through instruction. For example, teachers must use a broad range of picture books that bring many different cultures into the classroom. Even if the cultures are not represented in the classroom and school, it is important to bring them to life so that students can become aware and accepting of the diversity that is represented in our city. As a principal, I think it is very important to try to hire staff that will reflect a diverse set of skills and backgrounds. It is true that a large majority of teachers are white females. I strongly believe that Boards must go out of their way to promote teaching as a profession and entice a variety of people with different cultural backgrounds into teaching. I believe that having a diverse staff allows for better awareness of cultural differences and fosters equity within our instructional practices.

Mark and Helen,

Your response to Daniel’s question is extremely helpful because not only have you responded at a level that provides a foundation for eventual leader behavior but you have provided practical approaches to the issues that Daniel presents.

Niagara

I think it is imperative for school leaders as well as classroom teachers to be knowledgeable about the students and what encapsulates them. From the literature I have read, it is suggested that all students need to feel connected to at least one adult in their building in order to be successful. Not all students are going to excel at the curriculum but they can exel in another facet of school life; sports, arts, attitude and thus creating an environment that they want to be in. As our other classmates pointed out, being aware of gender, culture, sexual orientation (to name a few) help us gain perspective and essential understanding of our students. This is important to engage them in school life and help them feel connected.

I agree with Mark that many of our students do not see themselves in the teachers, thus often causing them to withdraw. Helen makes a key point when she suggests that as administrators, we need to consider our school population when hiring. I would add that as school leaders, we must cultivate this passion within our staff so they truly get to know our students. This can be done through training, guest speakers, volunteers, and resources. Like Mark, I am hopeful and I believe students need to feel a sense of hope at school everyday.

For me, as an intermediate teacher, knowing the student culture is very important. It helps them relate to me at an age where their social issues tend to take precidence over their educational issues. In my opinion, if they think you understand them or where they are coming from, they are more likely to talk to you about issues that are happening outside of school that are affecting their school performance. I think it’s important that they know you care but that you are not their friend so it is a fine line.

I teach intermediate specifically because I think this is the age where you make the most difference, not necessarily on an academic level but on an ethical level. I think this is where kids can benefit from conversations about morality and right choices. Knowing the societal pressures they are under can only help to understand how to help them.

This is really why I got into teaching in the first place. Not so much to teach geography or phys. ed. but to, hopefully, inspire kids to be morally conscience and to consider things from an ethical standpoint when making future decisions.

As a leader, when you are hiring a teacher, I agree that you should be looking for someone who represents your student population or shows compassion about different cultures, as well as all the other various important characteristics. I remember a few years ago, our Principal hired a teacher who really excelled in knowing and understanding different cultures but unfortunately along the way forgot about the curriculum. There needs to be a balance. We need to ask questions and look for compassion in the responses.

For me, now as a teacher and later as a leader, I know and understand my student population. We have a huge asian, muslim and arab student population and I am familiar with certain words, holidays and such. I do my best to relate math examples (even using certain names on my questions) that relate to their world and their experiences. So, even though I am a white female teacher, my students still connect with me.

Hi Everyone and thank-you for your participation in this discussion. The issue of culture is one that is talked about frequently. There seems to be a consensus that understanding a students culture helps in relatingto the student. There are some that would advocate for hiring a staff that mirrors the student population. I would think that this is hard to do and can be short lived as many schools have turnover in staff and sometimes schools have transient populations. I like marilyn’s reminder about the importance about the caring adultt that is needed for each student. Sometimes, fosr some kids school is the only place where this can happen. I would hope that this person has an understanding of the students culture.

I would propose that we can connect and inspire students without being of the same culture if we wre culturally proficient. If we are aware, inquisitive and respectful of the cultures of our stuents we cann connect with them and help provide them of teh hope they will need to be successful in todays changing world.

Thanks again

Dan