Social Justice

During the "Reflections of an SJU Student Teacher", graduating seniors had the opportunity to share their experience student teaching within North Philadelphia. Throughout the presentation, students emphasized the strong community support and ties that the faculty and family of their school brought into their student teaching. They mentioned how the staff takes the time to personally understand who you are. Bri Psaila shared how the community makes it what it is for the students as well as the teachers. In addition, the graduating seniors vocalized the misconception that low income neighborhoods or poverty are absent and disconnected with their kids, but the family members are invested in their children. When reflecting upon this comment, I was surprised at the thought of the misconception that a parent would be absent towards their child's education in North Philadelphia. Within my experience teaching in North Philadelphia, I have had encountered parents who are constantly involved in their child's education, but there are obstacles that could prevent them from doing more, such as their jobs and other responsibilities. It is essential to focus on communicating with the students and the family. To follow up, the graduating seniors shared how they incorporate families into their child's education by including daily newsletter.

When asked about the engagement between students and staff, one of the senior graduating students shared how her first placement school setting had no special education. In the second placement, she expressed her appreciating for autism support ratio in which the ideal classroom would be 6 kids. Graduating seniors were also inquired about the gaps of learning. Most of the presenters shared that the gap of learning focused on the social emotional development for students. This allowed me to ponder upon the gap of learning observed within my own classroom and how I can include more social emotional development lessons into their everyday learning.