The Hidden Side of Transracial Adoptees at Our Schools
The People of Color Conference, FRI 12/6
Tina Fox, The Park School (MA)
Amanda Friedman, Miss Porter’s School (CT)
Matt Goldman, The Burgundy School (VA)
Jenny Hammond, Deerfield Academy (MA)
DIRECTIONS:
Elementary School (K-5)
You are a 3rd grade teacher on recess duty. Cory, in grade four, comes to you crying. She shares that a student in another class was making fun of her at lunch, saying that her parents found her in a dumpster. How do you respond?
Middle School (6-8)
You are a 7th grade social studies teacher at a regular team planning meeting, and you are chatting informally before everyone arrives. The science teacher on your team begins to enthusiastically describe how his new family history and genealogy project is going to "really personalize and diversify" his DNA unit. How do you respond?
High School (9-12)
You are on a run during cross-country practice where you are chatting with Alex, a 10th grade student who has been on the team since 9th grade. Alex is down about his crush rejecting him for a date to the movies. When you ask him why, Alex mumbles, "She told me we couldn't go out because I'm a twinkie - yellow on the outside and white on the inside. I guess I'm not Korean enough for her." How do you respond?
ADDITIONAL SCENARIOS
Elementary School (K-5)
You are a 1st grade teacher at a fall parent teacher conference for your student, Jamie. Jamie has struggled with patience, self-control, and sharing since the first day of class. During your meeting, Mom confesses that Jamie is in a "you're not my real mommy!" phase and she doesn't know what to do. How do you respond?
Middle School (6-8)
You are meeting with your 8th grade advisee, Jana, for a regular check in. Jana is new to the school and has had a tough time finding their place socially. They are worried about the upcoming racial affinity group meetings, not knowing where to go. How do you respond?
High School (9-12)
You are in an extra help session with Bea, a 12th grade student that you've taught in three different classes. She tells you that she is turning 18 next month and can legally ask for information from her adoption agency. Bea wants to contact her agency and maybe start a birth search, but she is worried about hurting her parents. How do you respond?