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  Case: White Intern in a Black inner-city school
My sister, Gina, who is a young White girl, started her student teaching in a predominantly Black school in inner-city America. She initially approached her job with optimism and purpose. However, she began to experience her first doubts with the presentation of an emotionally charged poetry reading at an all-school assembly. The poem painted a picture of the oppression of the African Americans by the European American majority. My sister was moved by the poem and accepted the historical truth of its message. At the same, she said she wondered what educational effects of the poem were and whether it would affect her legitimacy as a White teacher in a Black school. She talked to me about her experience. I am an experienced teacher, but I could not answer whether poems like that have any educational value, and whether or not my sister should worry about her legitimacy as a White teacher. I don't what she should do in this specific situation.
Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!)
That can definitely be a tough situation. I was in a similar situation not too long ago. I think the most important thing is to get to know your students and not be afraid to bring their culture into your classroom. This is how we make our students feel accepted and comfortable and so it shouldn't change when is about race. We still talk to them about it, letting them express themselves, so that a relationship and sense of community can be built. Some black students are rather hesitant of white teachers, they may have historical reasons for that. But over time trust will begin to form and the students will gain respect for the new white teacher.
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: Connecting with your students and understanding them is all that matters in this situation
Rated On: October 21, 2014 5:04 am
Rated By: Thomas Anderson