I am currently a special education and elementary education major. My goals consist of graduating in the December 2011 and hopefully finding a job as a special education teacher. With all the topics we discussed during this class, I feel that I can and will greatly affect the lives of the future by teaching children to recognize and respect the beliefs of others because they are the future.
Teachers play an important role in the lives of children. We educate children not only in the core subjects of math, reading and writing but also by teaching them life skills. Teaching life skills and survival skills is especially important when teaching children with disabilities. Part of teaching students about life skills is examining differences and the affects of discrimination in the past.
I feel that it is essential for teachers to educate their students about differences that exist in society in order to help eliminate discrimination. By educating students about differences that exist among people, it will expand their knowledge and understanding which then leads to less fear and acceptance. To go along with this point of educating students about differences I feel that it’s important to teach students about “agree to disagree”. This quote is powerful when discussing differences. Explaining to students that not everyone is going to see eye to eye on deciding which religion, race, relationships and gender is best but that’s okay. It’s okay to disagree but we must still respect the beliefs of others even if we do not agree with them.
Another way that my chosen field will benefit is by my example. As a teacher I have to set a good example for my students and for the rest of the staff and community. If I am accepting of different genders, religions, relationships and cultures in school then I must also practice those beliefs in the community and make it seen by society. The example I set in the classroom will help my students make decisions on their beliefs as well.
Myself and other teachers should set their tolerance level of discrimination in the classroom should be set very high, this meaning that teachers should not allow discrimination to exist in the classroom. Respecting others and their beliefs is a key factor in creating equality among the classroom. All students should be treated equally no matter what their race, culture, religion or gender is. Having a classroom environment that is full of respect between teacher and student and student and student will help students carry these practices into their future.
Overall, being a good example and teaching students while they are young about respecting others and their beliefs is how my profession as a teacher will affect the future.
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