I recently experienced a microaggression
from one of my student’s parents. I am
the lead teacher of a Pre-K class in an early childhood setting. I do not have an assistant so before I
arrive, my students are combined with the 3 year old class. Two weeks ago, I was gathering my students
one morning to go over to our classroom when one of my newer students arrived
with his father. I welcomed them to the
classroom and politely informed them that we were getting ready to go over to
our class. I did not really get a
response from the father but I didn’t think anything of it because I have only
seen him two or three times. Later that
morning, another teacher stopped me in the hallway and told me that this child’s
father had talked to her and had a lengthy conversation about his son’s
language development and some concerns he had.
A few days later, I came in a little early just as the father was coming
in and I tried to talk to him about the concerns he had about his son. He blew me off and said he was late for
work. I found out a few days later from
the teacher he had talked to previously that he did not want to discuss his
child with a white woman and if it were up to him, his son wouldn’t be in my
class. When I heard this, I immediately
felt very defensive and hurt. I know my
credentials and I know that I am a good teacher. My race should have nothing to do with my
ability to teach a child of another race, gender, or nationality. I know what is developmentally appropriate
and I try to go above and beyond when I am in my classroom.
My experience showed me that there
is still a lot of prejudice in the world today.
Prejudice isn’t just white against black, as I have often thought it to
be. Anyone can be the victim of
prejudice, even when it is least expected.
Now that I am aware of this parent’s view of me, I have decided to make
sure that my actions are professional and show respect toward him, even though
his actions to me are not the same. It
only takes one person to turn prejudice around but that one person can also
validate a person’s prejudice as well.
Melinda,
ReplyDeleteThe story that you shared here shows that prejudice is everywhere. Ultimately, the child is your number one concern. You are to be commended for remaining professional and respectful. I am truly sorry that you had to experience this. I hope that you have learned and grown from it.
What an important point you make about changing or validating people's prejudice! We can be a part of the prejudice or work to change it!
Thank you for sharing your story.
Hi Melinda, I think it is really hard for a teacher when their children's parents do not want to have conversation with her/him. I respect what you did, and as you said, prejudice can happen to anyone, at any time, and to anybody that is least expected to happened to. Children should be the first concern of parents and teachers, if parents and teachers can eliminate prejudices and bias between each other, I should say children will be served the best. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMelinda
ReplyDeleteVery well said, you have to be respectful to him, even though he's not to you. I have also learned over the years that prejudice has many faces. Just keep doing your job and you win him over.
Hi Melinda,
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed reading your post and I am sorry you are going through this predicament. However, you are handling yourself professionally. I hope the father does not cause problems for the child. By the father acting that way he may be talking about you in the home which may make the child act up at school. If the child is happy than the parent so not have a problem. Just keep doing a great job and he will soon be smooth over and regretting what he is doing.
Great job of keeping your cool and understanding that the child was the main concern. I kind of encountered a situation like this but it was kind between parents and I was in the middle of it. It was dealing with another kids disability and the other parent stated that he child was beginning to act like the other child. Good post and kindness all kill the enemies.
ReplyDelete