When Mr. Eric Thomas agreed to be interviewed about his experiences matriculating through urban schools, I knew I'd be in for a treat! He matriculated through DC Public Schools, and now teaches at a private school in a Preschool class. He is a much-loved teacher, and I have observed his rapport with the students.
Mr. Thomas is full of interesting stories with many applications to my current path of learning. Even before I got the chance to fully ask my questions, he was already giving answers just by describing his experiences. Mr. Thomas told me about his schools, which teachers made an impression on him (both through making him feel valued and the opposite), how teachers demanded the best from him, and the various ways his teachers tried to transform the learning environment and classroom to make it inviting and to showcase representation.
I found his comparison of the good teacher and the bad teacher particularly compelling and relevant. Clearly, that experience made an impact on him and shaped not only his educational journey, but his vocational one as well. He makes a great point about how, when a teacher disrespects her students, morale is low, but when a teacher values and cares for her students, it positively impacts more than just that one student.
In reflecting on this assignment, I've come to appreciate just how valuable skills in tech can be for an educator. Mr. Thomas described how his teachers would print copies using a mimeograph machine, which required waiting for the ink to dry. I recall from my own education using card catalogs and microfilm machines. Yet here I am now, making video blogs and struggling for days trying to figure out how to edit clips! Teachers need to stay up to date on technology, because we can utilize it in our classrooms to keep them fresh, relevant, and attractive, as Mr. Thomas' teachers did for him.
What a gem! Mr. Thomas offers such a history and depth of experience, it was such an enjoyable video. What a great choice for the interview Hannah. I was definitely struck by Mr. Thomas' recollection of the teachers who made an impact on his education journey. He mentions a teacher who realized the need of her student due to an absent parent. In response to her student's need, this teacher would purchase some of the things this child needed. This left an impression on Mr. Thomas even after all of these years. "A factor that influences positive teacher-student relationships is the extent to which teachers succeed in getting to know and understand the students they teach." (Johnson, Uline, and Perez p. 4) This teacher taking the time out to understand her students circumstances and also show caring by helping him to get the things he needed, undoubtedly left an impression on him, but probably on fellow classmates like Mr. Thomas who shares this moment with us many years later. He also mentions a "mean" teacher who called a student "Dummy George" and did not seem very supportive or caring to her students. What struck me in these recollections are the lasting impression these moments have made on Mr. Thomas, and it reminds me the impact we as educators have on our students.
ReplyDeleteYour last paragraph in your reflection really resonates with me Hannah. The technology has definitely changed through the years, and recently at a rapid pace. Keeping up can seem intimidating, and during the pandemic I saw many educators resist the process when everything went virtual. It was tough, but necessary just as you stated, in order to keep classrooms and learning fresh, relevant and attractive.
Yes, Mr. Thomas so clearly contrasting his two teachers like that really stood out to me as well, Leslie. His experience made quite the impression on him, and it further reinforces the truths our text has been stating, that teachers in high performing urban schools "know their students well enough to know what students interpret as courteous and respectful, and they model such behavior with great consistency." (Johnson, 2019) When the opposite occurs, as in Mr. Thomas' experience with the mean teacher, it causes students to despair and give up, not to be encouraged to produce high-quality work.
DeleteNice interview, Mr. Thomas seem to have the impression being a very wise dcps worker, which to me is outstanding. I adore how he was able to be in schools around FAMILY, and teachers that was family like. Having the ability to be surrounded by all kinds of family and family orient is I feel the key the better success in school and life.
ReplyDeleteYes, Kirmari, that stood out to me as well. The school-community-as-family aspect is one I've struggled with, as it sometimes feels less than professional. Teachers hugging and being physically affectionate with students ring my alarm bells. But the evidence shows that students in high performing urban schools actually respond more positively when they are not only treated with respect, but also shown personal care and concern. So there's a careful balance to be maintained, I believe, and Mr. Thomas got to experience that himself, in a positive way.
DeleteExcellent interview from Mr. Thomas. what stood out to me was building relationships with inside the school setting and engaging with different kinds or students he saw and meet throughout his teaching years. Also, Mr. Thomas shared his journey of teaching and experienced like we was their to noticed or feel his outcome of success.
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