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Manifesto

I am a teacher who stands up for the truth against those who would try to deceive with falsehoods, who is in favor of supporting multiple forms of literacy against the suppression of knowledge, who is a supporter of empowering students against those who seek to strip them of passion and autonomy, and who is a defender of the authentic examination of the world against those who obscure realities with smoke and mirrors.


I am a teacher who favors the permanent struggle against racism and the prejudices that lend to systematic oppression. I am a teacher who rejects discrimination because it is responsible for the marginalization of students and their needs. I am a teacher full of hope for the future, in spite of constant obstacles.

I am a teacher who refuses to give up just because some have the belief that my mission is futile.

I am a teacher who is proud of my student’s accomplishments and the potential for their positive contributions to our world.

If I do not struggle for equity for all students, then I will no longer be an effective educator.


                                                           

Comments

  1. Hannah LoebSeptember 3, 2020 at 8:19 AM

    Kerren, I ABSOLUTELY LOVE what you said about "supporting multiple forms of literacy against the suppression of knowledge"!!!!! Schools focus on literacy in books and technology, but how much do we teach our students about standing up for themselves when they do not believe the information they have been given? Do we effectively teach our students how to rebel? How can we do so in a system where much of their success relies on conformity and acceptance of the powers that be?

    (you may have sparked a bit of the Hannah who was a rebellious questioner of authority)

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    1. KerrenlynnbSeptember 4, 2020 at 11:05 AM

      Hannah, you pose great questions here about the examples we can set as teachers of how students can stand up for that they believe in and what they do not. I think a good example of a student doing just that is Greta Thunberg. While our children are taught to believe that climate change is a myth and that the earth will just heal itself, despite the amount of damage the human race is imposing upon the natural balance, Greta has found a way to use her voice to call attention to the problem and speak out with a resounding "How Dare You" to the powers that be. Her lack of acceptance has stirred up controversy and criticism against her, yet she powers on.

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  2. AnonymousSeptember 3, 2020 at 11:20 AM

    Hi Kerren! It's so nice to see you in this class after meeting you in CURR 501 this past summer! I still have your escape room stuck in my mind and can't wait to try one this year with my students! I love your line about having "hope for the future." During this unpredictable time in our lives, we can only hope for the best despite the many obstacles that will be thrown our way. I also love the quote that you added at the end about fairness. This is so true and so important for us as educators to remember with each of our students...also with my own children and family as well. Looking forward to collaborating with you this semester!

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    1. KerrenlynnbSeptember 4, 2020 at 11:17 AM

      Hi Maria! I am so glad to see you in class again and I am looking for to collaborating this semester as well! Psychologist Charles Snyder, who was part of a team who developed the Hope Theory in the early 90's states; "The person who has hope has the will and determination that goals will be achieved, and a set of different strategies at their disposal to reach their goals. Put simply: hope involves the will to get there, and different ways to get there."
      As a teacher, I strive to help students find both the will and the different ways to get there.

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  3. Dr. BensonSeptember 4, 2020 at 6:46 AM

    Hi Kerren --
    I really appreciate the emphasis here on debunking harmful myths and ideologies that distort social reality -- the "authentic examination of the world" as you put it. I think this is a crucial aspect of a critical education, whatever we teach. Thanks!

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    1. KerrenlynnbSeptember 4, 2020 at 11:41 AM

      Hello Dr. Benson,
      I definitely agree that teaching students to recognize distortions is crucial in ALL areas of education. It can feel like an uphill battle with mounting conduits of falsification, but I believe it is a worthy commitment for teachers. Thank you for providing us with the opportunity to reflect upon and explore our beliefs through the manifesto activity!

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