A question I posed in my previous post - how can I be held responsible for those things over which I have little or no control, such as a family's socioeconomic status - begs an answer. Although I can't be held responsible for a family's socioeconomic status, I do have a moral responsibility to advocate for an equitable distribution of resources so that all children have what they need to focus on learning in the classroom. Although, there are other elements that come into play as far as the progress a child makes in any one year, financial stability is definitely high on the list due to the repercussions it has on all aspects of a family's life. As teachers, we are responsible for the learning that happens in our classrooms and we must protest the politics and policies that prevent children from learning. We need to be front line supporters for our students. If not us, then who?
This blog is a place to ruminate on the problems of teaching. If I am thinking thoughtfully, my posts will hopefully raise more questions than answers. By problematizing teaching we reflect on those questions that are constantly behind, in front, and at center of everything we do in the classroom. Feel free to comment. I'd love to hear what other teachers are thinking about on these and other issues. Cheers! Elisa