Teacher Sensitivities and Insensitivities in the Classroom

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Recommended: Cultural diversity in schools

Educators need to know how to effectively communicate with the parents of their students as a basic skill. An important factor in communication as a teacher is being aware of the social state and economics of the community in which they teach. Language, literacy and comprehension vary in different socio-economic settings. In ‘upper class’ communities, parents tend to be more educated while ‘lower class’ parents tend not to be as educated. Their education plateau may have only reached trade school, high school or perhaps lower. Another hurdle that inhibits communication is the ability to understand English. Many families come to the United States for a better chance at a better life and have to learn the complex English language.

In the Back-to-School Speech, given by a teacher in an urban school within a community with low-income and English learners, there were some insensitive and sensitive instances. The speech demonstrated sensitivity to parents by providing translators for the parents and provided a disclosure document that included grading and rules along with state and national standards. Also, the teacher further demonstrated her sensitivity to the needs of the parents as she provided the dates and information of when she would be available so that parents could contact her.

By providing translators for parents, the teacher was able to bridge the gap between professional language and common vocabulary (home vocabulary) that commonly exists in low income communities. “Language differences may cut parents off from important information and prevent them from sharing their own knowledge with the professionals who are involved with the family” (Mendoza, 2003). The translators served to break down the barriers to a fr...

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...an active role by “increasing communications, (and) acknowledge and build connections between institutions” (Epstein, 2001). My future plans also include to include tips within the afore mentioned newsletter that would help parents to expand “their knowledge of how to help their children at home (Epstein, 2001). Overall, I want parents to know that I want their help in educating their children and am sensitive to their needs.

Works Cited

Epstein, J. (n.d.). School, Family and Community Partnerships. WGU E-Reserves. Retrieved February 28, 2011, from wgu.docutek.com.wguproxy.egloballibrary.com/eres/download.aspx?docID=33&shortname=schoolfamilycommpartnerships.pdf

Mendoza, J. (n.d.). ERIC/EECE Digest Archive. Communicating with Parents. CEEP. University of Illinois. Retrieved March 28, 2011, from http://ceep.crc.uiuc.edu/eecearchive/digests/2003/mendoza03.html

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