I realized today that I dont understand teaching in a Public School setting because I didn't get the American Public School experience. I grew up attending mostly private schools and international schools. I have no real frame of reference for what the classroom is "supposed to look like", that's why I'm so easily swayed by alternative methods.
My baby turned 1 yesterday. My toddler will be 3 and will be able to attend Headstart next year, so this realization really hit home:
1) I had privilege. I never understood that till right now. The people I interacted with, the experiences that I had is not what the average person has. I had teachers who were flexible, I wasn't just part of a huddled mass: I had a voice, I had an identity. I was held to high standards with a dress code & strict codes of conduct. Even now comparing how I speak, write, and spell compared to my husband astounds me.
2) What do I want for my kids? I am now terrified at the prospect of sending my kids to Public School. My husband went to public school and we have different world views, which I value. I am idealistic and forward thinking, but he is grounded in a bit more cynicism and reality. I see things how they should be and he sees them how they are... and that's a terrifying realization of how our country has become divided.
How can I ensure that my kids get this diverse worldview that I have? Is there a way to transform public education to become more like private education?
Do you do it from the ground up? Leading as a teacher in a classroom...
Do you do it from the top down? As a Superintendent or Principal implementing policies across multiple classrooms...
Do you have to change the law? Write to the legislators to implement the needed changes...
Do you have to change the curriculum? Write & research as a professor at a University...
As this first semester of second year teaching at public school ends, I find myself with a lot of big questions..
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