Diversity Elements

12. Teachers are involved in political struggles outside the classroom that are aimed at achieving a more just and humane society.

As a teacher, being involved in politics is a necessary evil. Political agendas are what shape the school system and either allow us the resources we need to do our jobs well, or deny us even the basics to meet the States governed standards. Unfortunately, the struggle with this issue has been real for far too long. Why do we let those whom have never taught in a classroom dictate how we will teach and what we are supplied with? We should be working together for the benefit of humanity.

Of course, we will continue to stand up for what our students need and help them to be successful; even if we might feel it is futile. Our children are our future. We should model and encourage justness in our classrooms and continually practice humane standards so that they will be exposed to those values regularly. Hopefully, eventually, they will be able to decipher for themselves what is just and unjust; what is humane and inhumane.

Furthermore, why do we think we need to give other human beings a voice? I’ve been mulling this thought over for a few days. A voice is not ours to give them. The Freedom of Speech is a human right and we each have a voice; we were born with a voice. So, I think we should not “give” our students voices, they already have them. By saying we “give” you your voice implies that their voice was being held from them and they’ll need to wait for someone to give the go ahead to use it. We need to teach our students that they do not need to wait for permission to voice their opinions, we also need to teach them how and where to use their voices effectively so that they are heard.