Week Two Readings

The articles for this week were very interesting. It was intriguing to read about the differences perceived differences between white and black teachers. In my opinion, teachers in general have one certain goal: to teach all students the information and life skills necessary to live their lives as competent adults. Because if this, I felt that the generalization and categorization of white and black teachers was somewhat disturbing. I do understand that there are strong cultural differences between the races however I do not feel that these cultural differences, while important and educational, should impact the overall content of what is to be taught in urban and sub-urban schools. The article also discusses how urban school teachers feel less than prepared to handle some of the difficult situations put in front of them. While I agree that urban schools are a bigger challenge to teach in than sub-urban schools, I do also believe that there are those teachers with the passion and drive to be in these settings and have the motivation to deal with the difficulties that come with teaching in this context. I also was confused about this part of the reading because I myself went to a sub-urban school and would prefer to work in one as I gain my teaching certificate, however, there are plenty of my peers, college students, who attended urban schools growing up and would have a better mind when dealing with the students and atmospheres in these settings; whether or not they were black or white.

I feel that graduating from the college of education can only prepare us so much for what we are to face in the future as teachers. Every one of us will be placed in a different school setting and are not specifically instructed how to teach from school to school. Programs offered within the college of education, such as the urban program, may prepare us more for this tyoe if setting however most of us who are beginning teachers will face the same challenges any where we go to teach. College can only prepare us for so much and that is why I believe that in order to be successful in any type of classroom setting simply takes experience above anything else.