Providing a positive learning environment for all students in the classroom is of utmost concern for all teachers. Through my university education, I have learned many valuable lessons and skills that will aid me in being an equitable teacher for all students in the classroom. During my ID 340 class, we learned about many historical inaccuracies and the consequences of that such blatant lying can have on the education of children. I was fortunate to have had my eyes opened to these untruths and the ethnocentric type of teaching that continues in America’s classroom today. As a result of this eye-opening experience, I am confident that I will better inform my students about the world around them through accurate historical accounts. I have learned that social inequities both inside and outside the classroom should not be tolerated by myself or other students.
I realize that I must always create a positive learning environment for all students in my classroom. Doing so will promote equitable learning. During my student teaching, I learned first hand the importance of social justice within the classroom. The students were very disobedient toward me when I first arrived. They had little respect for me, or their classmates. However, I set some basic rules that focused on respect such as, listen carefully while others are speaking, always walk in the door with a smile, raise your hand to ask a question, respect everyone, be helpful and polite at all time, use the word please and thank you, and respect the property of others. Although the rules were not accepted immediately by the students, they soon realized the importance of the rules, and began to abide by them. Within a few weeks, the students were treating each other and me with respect, and discipline within the classroom was rarely needed.