"Those kids," "These kids," and "My kids."


Happy Black History Month!
Today I am reminded of an undergraduate professor I had who cautioned my cohorts and I to refrain from using phrases like "those kids" when referring to our students. As I (poorly) paraphrase his lecture, he explained that such language is not kind or professional. If you commence with such phrases, they will become a part of your usual conversation about students when talking amongst other faculty, administrators, staff, and when speaking to parents, guardians, community members, student advocates etc. He warned that people who use the term "these kids" are separating themselves from their students. This divide can cause a superiority complex and even a division between the teacher and students - without the teacher's awareness. Creating an unpleasant line of separation between faculty and students affects the culture of the school. I want my students to know that I am an ally, not an enemy. I am thankful for this professor's words of wisdom. I am very conscious about how I speak about my learners and how other teachers speak of their own students. Whether I am in social or formal settings, I choose my words carefully.

You can imagine my surprise when the following occurred today...
I was appalled this morning when a colleague - who has been teaching at the high school I presently teach in for 10 years - refereed to my students as "animals." Are you kidding me?! MY STUDENTS ARE NOT ANIMALS. They are human beings who do not always make the best choices when they act or speak. This is partly due to a lack of consistent exposure to other kids of behavior. However, no one is perfect and life is full of mistakes to be made for maturation. Who is she to label my kids??? I would never refer to my students as anything demeaning, in front of them OR behind their backs. They deserve that much respect. I am ashamed that a tenured teacher does not demonstrate more class and respect towards the students and faculty of the school at which she is employed. 

This is an issue that is certainly worth considering. Be careful how you refer to your learners around everyone. You never know who you are offending.

After all, I have a hard time believing women who are admired for their lifelong dedication to education would use such degrading language:

(Image was obtained from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorothy_Height)

 Good evening to all.

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