I am a
young looking 25-year old preschool teacher. In reality, I look like I am 16
years old. I have been working at the community learning preschool center for
almost a year, and I have noticed that because of my appearance and age I find
that some children and families do not consider me to be a “real teacher”.
While I teach, I oftentimes find the children in my class overstepping my
authority. These children only do this with me and not act this way with the
other veteran teachers. While I am doing circle time with the class and with
the other teacher setting up the snacks for snack time or lunch, she will have
to stop what she is doing and tell the class to stop talking and to pay
attention to me.
As for
family interaction, I think many parents do not take me seriously do to me
being younger, however in reality, I am the most educated when it comes to
schooling at my preschool center. Many parents will turn to the veteran teachers
for any questions or concerns, however I am trying to break this barrier by
trying to develop more of a parent-teacher relationship. In my school, teachers
lack parent-teacher relationships and daily communication with the parents. According
to Eric Hoffman, “families are experts in their own child (Laureate Education,
Inc, 2011). And by creating a stronger bond with the families I can better
cater to their needs and wants for their child. In the end we both want the
best for their child.
Since
taking this course, I have taken more initiative and have written positive
notes to the parents about their child’s well behavior at school. It is too
often that parents are only told about a child’s bad behavior and does not get
any praise for their good performance. By letting my class know that I am
writing good behavior notes, this gives them positive reinforcement to be on
their best behavior. In addition, this gives me recognition since I am going
above and beyond in order to implement a parent-teacher bond.
References:
Laureate Education, Inc.
(2011). Strategies for working with diverse children: Learning about fairness: Culture, language, and
economic class. Baltimore, MD: Author
Dear Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteI had a hard time this week thinking of an "ism" that has personally affected me, but while reading your blog I could definitely relate. Currently, I am the director of a small child development center and I have had numerous people disregard or not comprehend that and go to one of the teachers with something that I need to help them with. They always get redirected but it just makes me realize how others see me. I also teach high school students and have had visitors check in with my aide rather than knowing I am the teacher. They are just little things that I tend to ignore. I have always looked a lot younger than I am, and it takes a lot more effort sometimes to gain respect from parents and children because of it. That is great that you are reaching out to the families to start the connection, and I love your idea of sending home positive messages. -Mary