Other People's Children

I spent yesterday in a fourth-grade classroom in one of DC's public schools. Immediately I loved the inquisitive natures and bold personalities of Miss A's students. The students wanted to give me hugs and ask about my family; they wondered if I was going to be their teacher next year. I loved it! But there were also things that didn’t match the picture of care-free learning I’m sure we would all like to have. 70% of the students are low-income, a metal detector is at the door, and just blocks are several “project” areas in DC’s southwest corner. Miss A is the only white teacher in her school; and about 15 years younger than any of the other teachers.

While observing her classroom I realized that her story will soon be my story too. I will be putting long hours and a lot of work into other people's children. Children who didn’t grow up the way I did, who may not share the same world view I do, and who certainly do not have the sort of educational support I grew up with. What is it about this challenge that excites my mind and makes me think that finally I may have a job that doesn't generate boring days or lack creativity? I think it's the feeling of doing something meaningful in a world of otherwise unmeaningful work (okay, this might be an exaggeration, but sometimes that's how I feel). I think there are two jobs that, for me, would fill this description of meaning. One is teaching your own children, and the other is teaching someone else’s! I know this will require some real self-evaluation on my part, because what’s right for “my” kids might not be what’s right for someone else’s.

I have enjoyed reading Lisa Delpit’s book about cultural conflict in the classroom. She talks about the codes of power that teachers (especially white) have when it comes to contributing to the success or failure of a child within the larger community. Of course, a teacher can only do so much, but what I want to make certain is that my part of the “much” is infused with as much understanding and love as I can possibly make it. I already feel like there is so much I don’t know, but what I do know is that I want to make a difference, and I want to make it in the right way. As Delpit puts it, we should not be seeking to give another voice to a child who already has their own, but to teach them to express their voice in ways that are recognized by a larger community, a community that will provide opportunity and a greater acceptance of their potential for success.