Bittersweet Challenges and Possibilities in Teacher Preparation

This week I didn’t have a first hand experience, however, as a parent and an educator my perspective helps me better evaluate the experiences my children are faced with in their individual schools. This Month schools are recognizing Black History, the contributions of African Americans past and present. My son (Edwin) who is a senior in High School is partly in charge of organizing the “The Black History Show” at his school. According to Edwin, during one of their class discussions, he asked his teacher, why is there a month set aside to recognize the contributions, of African Americans, when the history of African Americans is woven in the foundation of American History, why isn’t it just American History? Edwin went on to say that his teacher responded by saying “ son you make a good point” but she did not elaborate or extend the discussion. Based on our reading this week, I believe the teacher missed an opportunity to extend her students’ learning, but it could be that she was not comfortable or prepared to respond skillfully. In today’s school atmosphere it is imperative that administrators provide PLCs for their teachers, to empower them or give them the tools needed to handle diversity in their classrooms.