I Don't Think I'm Biased

Article Author name(s): Pat Clark
Title of article: I Don’t Think I’m Biased
Title of journal: Teaching Tolerance
Date of publication: Spring 2010
Volume of the journal: 37

http://www.tolerance.org/magazine/number-37-spring-2010/i-don-t-think-i-m-biased

Summary: When pre-service teachers are asked to become culturally competent it means being asked to consider their own lives and privileges and consider how they have shaped perspective. There are natural responses that occur when teachers are asked to reflect on privilege. Teachers must continue to challenge themselves to take advantage of opportunities to work towards social justice. A specific mindfulness and continued self-examination of personal biases is a key part of becoming a well-rounded educator.
Topic: Pre-Service teachers having the “multicultural encounter” that shapes attitudes about diversity.
Intended audience: Pre-service teachers and teachers, administrators

Teachers are working in the field who do not reflect the race, language traditions or communities of their students- this is making the diversity gap larger. For pre-service teachers there will be a specific “encounter” where teachers are able to consider personal biases. There will be “an experience or event that shatters a person’s current feelings”, and allows people to reconsider attitudes and beliefs. As a result of these reflections, most will experience a variety of responses that traditionally include disbelief, acceptance, discomfort and disclosure. It will be necessary for teachers to feel discomfort and address personal biases in order to expand our teaching abilities and better relate to our students.

Relevant because no teacher will be able to relate or identify with every student they teach. Classes and students and dynamics will constantly change from year to year, and it will be increasingly important teachers adapt to the needs of each class. In order to make these adaptations, teachers will be in a constant cycle of self-evaluation and improvement.