What Does Money Really Have To Do With It?

     Public school funding has been a topic that has come into question through the years because of the disparities that we are seeing between differing communities. I have only become aware of these unequal opportunities in more recent years as I have gotten older and recognized that I was privileged with some opportunities other students were not. The article, Learn How Texas Funds Public Schools In 7 Easy Steps from Houston Public Media, expanded my understanding of how the local community's financial/income situation is such a large component in what resources and support their children are provided in the classrooms. Many districts in Texas, and across the country, are faced with lack of funding per student because they may come from low-income families living in highly populated communities. As a result, students in lower funded public schools have more needs that cannot be met because of the high reliance on the local community, but its inability to provide such a large portion of the necessary funds. This perpetuates a cycle that prevents students from receiving the same opportunities as students coming from higher-income communities and schools. Learning all this, I believe money has a lot to do with 'it', and I hope that in future years we are able to close the gap between these disparities through changes in our laws and policies. Many advocate to see changes by suggesting that the state and federal government contribute in a greater capacity to improve each students' educational experience in a fair way. I hope it is Texas's time to take a step towards achieving this!

What Lengths am I Willing to go to in Order to do Right by Every Child?

    As a future educator, I feel there is a lot we can learn about becoming culturally responsive in the classroom. To do right by students in your classroom, is to show them acceptance, patience, and humility, as mentioned in our module. In Module 10, I learned that to be a culturally responsive teacher, is to diversify your instruction to make connections to all students and their cultures and/or languages. Regardless of one's background, all students deserve to have the same learning experience and opportunities as one another. I am glad we are able to acknowledge the importance of culturally responsive teaching because certain views have not always supported this pursuit. In order to provide an equal opportunity learning experience for students in the classroom, some students or groups may require more resources and support to achieve specific learning goals. In the YouTube video, 'This is Equity', it mentioned how "we have to be willing in our system to give more to those who need more, when they need it." I completely agree with this statement, as there are groups of students, and their families, that are at a greater disadvantage than other students in a more well supported school district. To not even out that disadvantage as an educator, would be a disservice. The lengths in which I am willing to go in order to do right by every child is immeasurable because I will utilize every resource, strategy, and idea that I, or others have, until I am confident that I have given all my students an equal opportunity; whatever that may require. 

Reflection on what has Impacted Me the Most as an Educator

A theme from this semester that has had the greatest impact on me as a future educator is, ‘How do we talk about issues that matter?’ When doing Module 5, the reading,”Fostering Civil Discourse” from Facing History, was a very significant source in helping me understand the importance of addressing important issues in the classroom. I feel one of the most important things that I learned, and plan to share with my students, is to remember that it is not a goal to change someone's opinion when you're discussing 'difficult' topics. These topics are not difficult, but rather unknown. As an educator, the impact this had on me is that I can address civil discourse by making these topics known to my students by helping them gain a greater understanding of the topic by listening to and acknowledging other perspectives. When we are able to truly listen and understand other viewpoints, that is when we are able to change and adjust our own opinions. This also impacted me in the way that I want to prioritize my students’ opinions and ideas because it is beneficial for young minds to feel valued, and heard. I want to implement this in my classroom by guiding my students through discussing opinionated topics with one another. This is definitely a learned skill for many, but it is important that students are able to do so from a young age. Having such a skill can prepare them for many aspects of life, including how to be well-informed and understanding members of their community. 

Why Teach?

     A question that a lot of educators get asked, and ask themselves, is "why teach"? Growing up, I wanted to have numerous different careers as the years went by. As I got older and entered my senior year of high school, I was applying to different colleges with the hopes of studying Criminology. A conversation I had with my high school Physics teacher, helped change the course of my educational path. He mentioned how much he enjoyed being a teacher, even though that was not where he had planned to end up. I remember him saying how "awesome" it was! After that conversation, it allowed me to reflect on where I wanted to dedicate my time to, which is helping the youth of our communities. I am passionate about the importance of knowledge, especially for children who are discovering our world around them. 

    Since being out of high school, I have worked with children as a nanny, babysitter, and an assistant teacher. It brings me such joy seeing children grow, learn, and feel proud of themselves when they understand a concept or idea. I have hopes to become a 2nd grade elementary school teacher because I remember the 2nd grade being a significant year for me. I had a wonderful teacher that helped me develop a love of reading, and she made every student feel comfortable and safe in the classroom. I aspire to help children feel safe learning in their environment without fear of judgement or answering incorrectly. I hope to be a teacher that students can trust, and learn lifelong knowledge from!

About Me!

 Hello everyone! My name is Sefora Perez and I am in my third year of college at Texas State University, studying Early Childhood - 6th Grade Education. I was born and raised in Austin, Texas and am dedicated to becoming a great future educator! I enjoy hiking, biking, swimming, kayaking, and anything that can be enjoyed outside. I currently work as a part-time nanny for a 3 year old and 4 month old twins! I hope this blog can prepare me for teaching in the classroom, while also bringing some creative ideas to others, thanks for reading!