Breaking the Cycle of Negativity in the Classroom: The Need for an Inclusive and Supportive Educational Environment
By: Haley Rocha, Oakland Scholar
As a high school student, when I’m asked to describe the environment in my classrooms, the words distress, failure, and restriction come to mind. In my years of education, I have never experienced a truly healthy student-teacher-class relationship. Instead, I have been subject to peer pressure, violence, and teachers who seem to lack care or concern for their students. The truth is, my classrooms are not places where quality education happens. Attendance seems to matter more than actual learning, and while schools may claim to be diverse and inclusive, the reality is that white teachers dominate the teaching population, and students of color are often mistreated and underserved.
What’s even more concerning is the impact that a lack of care and energy from educators can have on students. Learning from a textbook alone is not enough; schools should be places where students can learn essential life skills as well. When teachers fail to push their students to reach their full potential, they leave them with poor confidence and no work ethic. Social life in classrooms is also a major problem, with students often divided into “groups” such as popular kids, nerds, and jocks. These labels can be used to belittle or exclude students, perpetuating a social pyramid that leaves some feeling intimidated or anxious to speak up in class.
While I don’t believe that all teachers are intentionally neglectful or uncaring, the fact is that many of their actions and attitudes can communicate a lack of care or concern for their students. This sets a low expectation for students, and can be particularly damaging for those who come from marginalized backgrounds.
So why does this happen? While some teachers may not be aware of the impact their behavior has on students, the reality is that the education system as a whole is in dire need of reform. Too often, it seems to be more about money and attendance than actually providing a quality education for students. In my district, for example, the school board makes more than a million dollars a year based on attendance alone. And yet, teachers are not compensated adequately, and students are not receiving the education and support they need to succeed.
It’s time for change. The education system needs to prioritize the needs of students and teachers, and invest in creating a healthy, supportive classroom environment where all students can thrive. This will require changes to teacher training programs, policies that prioritize student wellbeing and success over attendance rates, and a more inclusive and equitable approach to education overall.
As a student, I am committed to advocating for these changes, and I encourage other students, teachers, administrators, and policymakers to join me in this fight. Together, we can create a better future for our schools and our communities.
