TeachingInColor FINAL DIGITALPages - Flipbook - Page 27
them in growing their own food to be
prepared in the classroom.
Our community school is
competency based, so I don’t have
a set age in my class but more so a
floating classroom experience where
students float in and out based on the
competencies they need to master with
me or with another instructor based
on their individualized education plan.
The space provides for various forms of
alternative seating, a plethora of STEAM
supplies and manipulatives. The staff
and administrators are diverse as is the
student body. We practice project based
learning and the day is not segmented
by “Reading/ Math/ Science”, etc. Clearly,
I have given some deep thought to this
dream learning environment!
What do you consider the value/
impact of having a teacher of color?
Representation matters. I have heard
countless times that I am the “only”
American Indian educator they interact
with. While this is shocking, it is a huge
weight but a powerful role I am allowed
to play. But not only do I get to stand
in tha space for non-Natives but even
more powerfully, I get to stand in this
space for others that look like me, as a
representative, as a voice, and humbly,
as a leader. ■
