Appreciating Other Starts with Me

By Timothy F. Johnson

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend NCDPI Raising the Achievement and Closing the Gap Section- Promoting Cultural Responsiveness in Public Education follow-up meeting. Let me start off by saying I truly appreciate the willingness of the staff to discuss this issue in an environment which does not always appear to want to admit there are numerous challenges, like these, facing North Carolina public schools.

As a community leader, I believe the biggest challenge facing many of us is admitting we have a number of preconceived ideas based on race, ethnicity, gender, disabilities, religious affiliation and even sexual orientation. And while many would like to say they don’t see color for example, I don’t think those same individuals are as quick to say they don’t see gender.

As we move into the 21st century and have an increasing need to meet the needs of the “New Millennial Generation,” it is imperative that educators teach differently, think more globally and interactive with students and each other in more creative ways. Today, like never before, our children need educators who are open to new and innovative ideas which include what makes us different from one another. To this end, the conversation about race, ethnicity or one’s culturally different upbringing and background, for example, should be embraced and encouraged not avoided and discouraged.

I believe where we go wrong and how we start over begins with the individual. If we learn how to share ourselves with others, admit our insecurities and even identify our misunderstandings, we provide the opportunity for our children to engage one another, establish enriching relationships and have others celebrate our rich diversity.

What I thought was so beneficial at the training was the opportunity for participants to discuss their individual pressures felt day after day in their respective school systems. Be it either as a black man or Hispanic woman, their challenges and uniqueness must be appreciated by fellow educators and there must be every effort allow for children to see this acknowledgement and acceptance. If the courageous conversations are going to be effective, they must begin with the individual.

In this instance, our biggest obstacle to gain a better appreciation is looking back at you in the mirror. Now that you know where to start, what are you going to do about it?