Access
Students and their families have been exposed to people, programs, resources, and connections that can open doors for them, and they are able to navigate and access those opportunities.
Providing students with access to opportunities they would not be able to take advantage of otherwise is increasingly becoming a focus for me as a teacher. If I want to truly advocate for my students, I must do so while they are in my classroom and after they have left for the day. The opportunities I discuss below would not have otherwise been available to them. These opportunities directly impact their academic performance and socio-emotional development. Culturally responsive teaching helps me validate my students’ lived experiences and educate them about people and experiences different from their own. Offering after school tutoring and more reliable phonics testing increases their learning opportunities and increases my effectiveness as a teacher. These gateways help students develop a stronger understanding of themselves and gives them the tools they need to demand more opportunities for themselves.
As I work towards being the most effective and responsive teacher I can be, I must continue to consider what is missing from my students' learning experiences, and, when necessary, go beyond my school walls to provide it for them. My students and all students deserve to be educated and served by the best resources and teachers available to them. I strive to become the best teacher I can be and open doors to greater opportunities for my students. It is imperative that my students have the ability and skills they need to pursue any and all paths they desire in their life. Validating their identities and giving them tools to find greater success in their academic career will give them the confidence and ability to continue to demand these opportunities for themselves.