I went to a private high school, after going through a public elementary. The elementary school was quite diverse (first integrated in Atlanta though none of us noticed; just more classmates), while the high school population came pretty much from one area, and most at that school since kindergarten. I did not fit in. A teacher arranged for a bunch of us to tutor at a poor high school, mostly white kids. The kids from my private school saw themselves, unconsciously, as better or smarter. I saw these other kids as like me without my opportunity, and those kids saw me so - and that turned out to be bad. Very bad. While the other kids from the private school were fawned over, almost like celebrities, I was seen as a show-off, trying to prove I was better than they. You know, the smart kid everybody hates. Empathy was belittling to them and dangerous for me. I had to have our teacher escort me back to the bus, where I waited until the rest finished up.
I've long accepted I'm an odd duck, that I tend to see most people as like me but hesitate with most because maybe they'll see me as other - or the same in a bad way.
Because teaching is what I know, it reminds me of different socioeconomic schools.
I have worked in Title 1 (low income designation schools) for 22/24 years in education. I hated the 2 years I taught in a high income school (lots of reasons, for another time). Not everyone can successfully navigate every demographic. I have seen many well intentioned new teachers try to teach “in the hood”. I’ve seen many fail.
While, I grew up in the hood, teach in the hood and feel most comfortable in the hood, not all successful educators in Title 1 have my background. Many can pivot and succeed in those spaces and make real connections to our students.
The problems occur when we monetize working in the hood. Many districts including CCSD (not globally, but different programs) give extra money to teach in Title 1 schools. Money is good, but this is bad. I don’t want folx teaching my school babies because of extra money. Teaching in the hood or in a high income area takes a special kind of person and it has to fit.
So, while in my social and personal life I abhor the comments made to Kim from that wealthy doctor…. In my work life “I like to be with my own”. Period.
Your article reminds of a time around 20 years ago we went to the Greek Orthodox Church for a community tour of their place of worship, music and lunch. It was a slice of heaven to see so many people of all races sitting in the pews, looking at the icons and baptism font just out of pure curiosity at something different. From the outside, it was a pretty nondescript structure in Garden Grove, CA but inside held riches. 🦋
I went to a private high school, after going through a public elementary. The elementary school was quite diverse (first integrated in Atlanta though none of us noticed; just more classmates), while the high school population came pretty much from one area, and most at that school since kindergarten. I did not fit in. A teacher arranged for a bunch of us to tutor at a poor high school, mostly white kids. The kids from my private school saw themselves, unconsciously, as better or smarter. I saw these other kids as like me without my opportunity, and those kids saw me so - and that turned out to be bad. Very bad. While the other kids from the private school were fawned over, almost like celebrities, I was seen as a show-off, trying to prove I was better than they. You know, the smart kid everybody hates. Empathy was belittling to them and dangerous for me. I had to have our teacher escort me back to the bus, where I waited until the rest finished up.
I've long accepted I'm an odd duck, that I tend to see most people as like me but hesitate with most because maybe they'll see me as other - or the same in a bad way.
Because teaching is what I know, it reminds me of different socioeconomic schools.
I have worked in Title 1 (low income designation schools) for 22/24 years in education. I hated the 2 years I taught in a high income school (lots of reasons, for another time). Not everyone can successfully navigate every demographic. I have seen many well intentioned new teachers try to teach “in the hood”. I’ve seen many fail.
While, I grew up in the hood, teach in the hood and feel most comfortable in the hood, not all successful educators in Title 1 have my background. Many can pivot and succeed in those spaces and make real connections to our students.
The problems occur when we monetize working in the hood. Many districts including CCSD (not globally, but different programs) give extra money to teach in Title 1 schools. Money is good, but this is bad. I don’t want folx teaching my school babies because of extra money. Teaching in the hood or in a high income area takes a special kind of person and it has to fit.
So, while in my social and personal life I abhor the comments made to Kim from that wealthy doctor…. In my work life “I like to be with my own”. Period.
Your article reminds of a time around 20 years ago we went to the Greek Orthodox Church for a community tour of their place of worship, music and lunch. It was a slice of heaven to see so many people of all races sitting in the pews, looking at the icons and baptism font just out of pure curiosity at something different. From the outside, it was a pretty nondescript structure in Garden Grove, CA but inside held riches. 🦋
So good. Again.