Today the goal was to investigate social justice and what
that looks like in the classroom. I read “What is social justice?” written by
Janet Finn and Maxine Jacobsen. They discuss how the term social justice is
rather elusive. The basic dictionary.com definition isn’t sufficient. In their
investigation of the term, they discuss how “Each person has the same
indefeasible claim to a fully adequate scheme of equal basic liberties, which
scheme is compatible with the same scheme of liberties for all; and social and
economic inequalities are to satisfy two conditions: First, they are to be
attached to offices and positions open to all under conditions of fair equality
of opportunity, and second, they are to be to the greatest benefit of the
least-advantaged members of society (the difference principle).” I like this
definition personally because it addresses the need for equal rights for all,
and also that there needs to be equal opportunities available with special
considerations for the disadvantaged. I believe this relates to education
heavily because educated people have better opportunities, better access into
the inaccessible, and it also helps elevate your voice. I believe a good
education only serves to empower students for their futures. Unfortunately,
this only works if the education is of high quality across the board. Students
in more affluent areas have better access to instructional materials like new
textbooks and technology, whereas areas with a low SES may not. Education can
only elevate all members of society if it is always of quality. As a teacher, I
want to ensure that I provide my students with a quality education that helps students
find their voices and confidence. I want to make sure that I provide this to
each of my students regardless of their race, religion, SES, sexuality, gender,
etc. I will be reflective about which students I find difficult in the
classroom and why. I intend on holding myself accountable for ensuring all of
my students get an excellent education from me. I will listen when they express
a perceived inequity in the classroom. I know this exists, I have seen it with
my own two eyes. My old mentor teacher (I am at a new placement) treated her
black students differently from her other students. It was very apparent to me.
I did my best to counteract that inequity by spending more time with them and
helping them as much as they needed. I treated all of her students with respect
and care even if they were frustrating me. I will continue to do that with all
of the students I work with.
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