My lived experiences with regard to Justice, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in ECE setting
My lived experiences with regard to justice is that I have seen bad things happen to good people. I have seen those with wealth get less jail or prison time than a poor person who committed similar crimes. I have taught numerous young children who have incarcerated parents. More often, these children have been or are African-American or Hispanic. I have had conversations with the parent or guardian who is raising the child of the incarcerated parent, about how to support learning for the child. I have had to prove that I am different, that I care and teach with meaning, To change the reality of the moment for them and to empower them to find their place in this world as a learner. That is why I am an advocate for social, economic injustices and system reform in America.
My lived experiences with regard to diversity is that I have been the only whilte person to walk into a room. The first time, I realized how one feels to not see a familiar face. While attending a historically Black High School as a white student, I became awakened to diversity in a new context. It forever changed me. I wrote a poem, lyric titled, “Dear White Son.” I explain that it has not been easy growing up in my White Father’s world. I do not believe anyone hates white men, however, it is time for them to be woken up. To be aware of their implicit bias and change the old ways. Diversity needs to be embraced and more people need a leg up. I look for children’s books that tell real historical fiction stories of triumphs from living in poverty stricken rural and urban settings.
My lived experiences with regard to equity is that as a single woman, I am paid less for the degrees that I have. I am trying to survive and provide for my child as the breadwinner. On average, as a divorced single mom my net worth is quite less than a single father. Equity is not the same as equality, that saying equal but separate, is living proof of this. As a white single mother, I can fake it and blend in easier. I do not like to, but I have learned my power in that. This is why I am an advocate for and pointing out inequities by questioning the status quo. I want to talk to parents who are not able to come to Open Houses, Conference nights, etc. I make phone calls and make home visits to meet them where they are. I need to get their feedback on the school their child attends by putting a live face to the school name. It is getting to know all the parents, not just the ones who can donate money or time to school events.
My lived experiences with inclusion is that it is not easy. Real inclusion means trying new things to help children achieve the learning outcome. I question teachers who blame the parents and who refuse to think outside of the box to help a child gain new skills. I question teachers who say, “They won’t have it easy in the real world, I‘m not spoon feeding them now.” I questioned this mindset because to embrace real inclusion we do need to rethink the cruelty of the world and how we are dis-included people. I have held leadership accountable to provide equipment and technology to achieve learning outcomes. I have been the Intervention Specialist and the General/Regular Education teacher in an inclusion classroom setting. I strive to include all students by building relationships with them to help them meet learning outcomes.
