No... Not another White Women

Yes I am the white women.... I have taught in more than a handful of all black schools and community centers within the city.... Many of my peers would not do this, I really never understood why.... We are all people right - - why does the color of the students skin make a difference on where someone is willing to teach? It is an experience to go into these schools and be the minority for once - I am usually the only white person in the entire location, and until you have been in these shoes you will not understand.

I know there are cultural differences and am not trying to change all these kids to see it the white way. From what I have seen in my small amount of experience some of the white teachers go into the city schools "trying to save someone." Like they are trying to change the way things already are, instead of taking it for what it is. It is a different culture! You have to be able to understand these children and where they come from. I am by no means an expert, but I do understand that you have to love them and teach them not try to change them.

I am not a hard azz, but I do not take crap from these kids! I am not sure what the right answers are, if white women should be teaching in the city. According to my black male friend who gives me information from the student perspective (since he was one a very long time ago) he is not a fan of the white women in the city teaching..... He will have to reply to give more details as to why - I am far from trying to speak for someone else.

Let me leave on this.... Why I love these children! These are real children, with real problems. Who truly appreciate when an adult goes the extra mile for them. I also teach in many rich, private, all white schools around town and the private school kids have no clue! They create art projects for their nannies (are you kidding me), always want more or better, and are not very appreciative of the things they have... I "get" the inner city kids and even if I "should not be" another white girl teaching in the city - I love it!