During
my second year of teaching pre-k I can recall being the target of
microaggression. The beginning until middle of the school year was very
stressful for me. It was not the students or curriculum; it was the conflict
issues I was having with a co-teacher. She would be over possessive of the
classroom and would only allow me to do certain things she felt I could do. She
thought I was unable to teach effectively because of my age at the time. I was
around the age of 22 during this time. I felt hopeless and like I had no voice
in the instruction of our students. I would often feel withdrawn and alone because
I felt like I couldn’t contribute ideas to the classroom that were appropriate.
Later in the school year, she apologized to me saying, “I’m sorry I was acting
like that. I thought you couldn’t do it because you are so young.”
This
week I have learned that the effects of discrimination, prejudice, and other
stereotypes can be very demeaning to targeted individuals. I have learned that
we must appreciate differences amongst our society. Lack of knowledge on
differences within cultures can cause these prejudices’, discrimination, and
stereotypes to develop. Personally, I have set a goal to get to understand
differences that I have with children and families I will be working with in my
classroom. Also I want to incorporate more cultural/diversity activities, so we
can learn to work together in unity.
Hi Tierra,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your experience with microaggressions. I can relate to your example. I have often been the target of the microaggressions of others based on my age. Since I have been in this field, I have worked with many women who have been older than me and often expressed their belief that I was too young to do certain things. When I worked at an elementary school doing School Age Child Care, the parents would also make comments about how young I was. I can understand their apprehension, however it was not like I was 16-years-old; I was 22-years-old. I think that it is great that you set that goal for yourself. I think that is a great goal for all early childhood professionals to have. Great work!
Great to know that someone can relate to my experience. Looks like were showing that although we're young, we can still take on the challenges.
DeleteThank you for bringing up the issue of age-ism. This is actually I bias that I have to deal with. I am extremely uncomfortable with elderly people. It seems irrational to me, but I get really tense and nervous. I associate old age with sickness and bad hygiene. I watched my grandma deteriorate and it became harder and harder to show her the affection that we always shared! On the other hand I had a foster grandma in my classroom and we became very close. I watched her turn 90 years old and she was still cleaning tables and going shopping. She was so independent. My interactions and affection toward her were completely different from my own dear grandma! Sometimes our bodies respond to our unconscious thoughts and it is hard to change! I worry about my mom getting old and even my husband as we age! Will I be able to put aside my feelings and care for my loved ones in old age? It is a scary thought for me!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that in your situation things were eventually resolved. I got married and had children right out of college and so I was much younger than most of the parents in our school district by a decade. One time I got a phone message from another parent that was laughing and shared that her husband had thought I was my daughter's nanny when I dropped her off at a birthday party. (Sarcastic) HAHA
Wow! Yes I am blessed to say my great grandma is just turned 94 this month. I can understand your feelings of comprehension with the elders. Yes age is another "ism" we can encounter and thanks for responding.
DeleteTierra,
ReplyDeleteI also had a similar experience my first couple years teaching. My assistants in several positions have been older than me and that has made for difficult transitions on their part. The topics we discuss are so important in our field, everyone should take part! I will be taking this back to our team leader and also work on being more aware myself.
Great advice! I agree we can still take on the challenge despite those that feel that we are unable to because of age.
DeleteHello Tierra,
ReplyDeleteWow, I can understand how that could make you feel alone and alienated by the other teachers and staff. Its a shame when people underestimate the potential of another person just because they may be younger. Rather than to show you or take you under their week to help you develop the sometimes want to demean you or take control. I think that this is because they have a fear that you may outshine then once you get comfortable. This world would much better if we could all work together for the good of one another and the good of the children in our care.
You make a good point and I agree we should be able to work together to help service the children and families we work with. Thanks for commenting.
DeleteTierra,
ReplyDeleteA great example of ageism. It seems to occur when most are just starting their careers or later in life when their live experience is deemed too qualified. What advice would you give me as I'll be 52 starting a new career with very little teaching experience?