Flip the Feedback — Teaching and Activism
Part 4: Review of Educate’s Episode: Race and Reckoning at a Chicago Charter School
All of those who serve (teachers, doctors, social workers, etc.) make a choice on whether or not to extend grace, provide excellence, and remain a learner; it’s an intentional choice. It’s possible, in fact, it’s easy and commonplace to serve with entitlement, unkindness, and coldness.
I just finished “Sold a Story” and started listening to “Educate”, a podcast, and to a particular episode featuring DJ Cashmere (former Teach For America teacher). As a black woman, who lives and works in a brown liberal bubble (D.C.), I don’t often hear white men reflect on their work as teachers. I found DJ Cashmere’s story brave, vulnerable, and valuable.
DJ Cashmere’s account of his experience working at a “no excuse charter school” is a story for all educators, new and experienced. We carry our history, trauma, race, gender, and oppressive subconscious biases with us everywhere we go.
Here are some ways that I choose activism:
When choosing where to work, take note of the staffing. Do the students seem joyful? Do the teachers and staff reflect the student population? If not, then ask why? Question procedures, texts, lessons, and policies that seem oppressive.
