The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

I am an African American woman and have experienced much prejudice in the work place. I felt that other color was giving more opportunity at my preschool jobs. The  director I will call her Ms. Tosa will always let other teacher take longer break and time off from work , but when it came to me I will always get the running around or she will say “ I not able to let you have this week off because , I need you to cover a certain class this week” but she would never ask the other teachers. I remember one time I was a 1 second over and she went crazy. But when other teacher was late or took a longer break nothing would be said.. Many times, Caucasians was allowed to take time off with ,but when it came to me there was always an excuse why I was not able to take days off. It was very irritating.  My director did not have any problem changing the schedule around when it came to certain teachers, but when it came to me I would always get the attitude.

This  made it really hard for me to perform my job duties never neglecting or abuse or rude to parent and children but had a hard time trust the team around me because they would allow people  of other color to take off, but when it came to me I am a black person it would always be a problem. A couple of times, I felt like leaving. but I really enjoyed working with the co - teacher in my class and of course the children and families.  When I would decide to take time off, I would put my notice in one week before and Ms.Tosa said she did not have anyone to fill my spot, but this one particular teacher   from another class I will call her Rosa put in her request the same time, I did and was approved.  I felt like just because, I was the only black there and I felt like I was being discrating against due to my color.  According to Dr. Sue I feel we should all be respected and treated fairly in the work environment regardless of race, belief, religion or gender. On one hand, I was upset and on the other hand, I was glad it happened to me so I could learn  from this situation on how  I can make sure when I get my child care center , I will not treat my  staff that way. I will make sure I am making every race feel comfortable

 I became very angry on several occasions and on top of that I had three miscarriages I was dealing with at the time of going through all these issues at work and that did not. I felt like I was not being appreciated and having to make special arrangements to go to my doctor appointments. These issues at work did not make me feel any better, but I learned how to manage the abuse. I felt I was not important, embarrassed and shameful. As a floater, I felt that I always had to pick up the slack.  I felt like I was really being taking advantage of.  I will never treat anyone this way and the director needs to make sure that she is being fair across the board.

Referemce

 Laureate Education (Producer). (2011). Microaggressions in everyday life [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu

Temika McCann

6164 -1

Practicing Awareness of Micro-aggression

Temika McCann

6164 - 1 

I am so enthusiastic about this week blog the new insight I have learned about over these last 4 week. That I have as an educator I am so interested to learn about Micro-aggression. According to Dr. Sue Laureate, 2011) he said, that Micro- aggression's exist in everyday humiliations and disgrace that are oral behavioral. However, they may well exist not deliberately interconnected they cause external hurt and extreme pain if the message contained in offensive.  It allows you to personally own your understandings and capabilities. I had known idea of these terms and if I was setting in a setting amongst a group of people I would not have any idea what he/she might be talking about. I am so glad that and happy about this class. It has taught me so much and now I feel empower and will be able to share this vital information with coworker and families.

Last week I had an important phone call with my daughter principle and I was talking with Ms. Jay about an incident that occurred at my daughter school. I had to hurry to finish the phone call because I had another call that was coming in. I said, Ms. Jay I have another call that coming in that is long distance can I give you a call back in 30 minutes. She asked “why do you need to answer that call if you are on the phone with me.” I try explained to her it was a very vital call that I must answer she insist on talking after, I was very polite with her.  Ms. Jay was trying to over throw my conversation, by demanding me to continue to talk with her. I was going to drive to get there, so I told him and immediately he went into redirecting me to another route. I agree with Ms. Jay I very much of being on the phone with you , but you have to realize and take into consideration that I have another call coming in and as soon as I am done I will give you a call back. Ms. Jay was very rude a very impolite, I totally feel she invalidated what was significant toward me. I also felt like my  decision and phone call was not important to her and that if I was to continue to stay on the phone with her she would have being fine and the other phone call was not that important how  rude.

When I recognized as a person who was a victim of a micro aggression, I step out of character by not being aware of theirs and their beliefs I felt I was a little rude and upset. I started to do something that I might regret later and I want to say something that might not came out so good so , I held my peace, I don’t consider what I did was  on purpose, but I should had thought about it first and be more aware of other values and tradition.  According to Dr Sue (Laureate Education 2011) said that undoing come about day in and day out without a person being aware of the other persons or group of people.  I had a coworker who was a control person in the classroom want to control everything and everybody so I have always being the bigger person and played follow the leader to have a peaceful time within the environment and classroom I work in.

I always try to be mindful when I am interacting with children, friends, coworker and families. It is very important to me as a mom and educator how we want to be treated we have to make sure we our treating others that way. The motto my mom always say do unto others that you will have them to do unto you. If you don’t want anyone to be rude towards you don’t be rude towards them. Overall for these last 4 weeks this information and knowledge I have gained from this class and professor has help me to understand people much better and always respect people for who they are. Regardless of race, gender and belief. I also know that looking down on others because we are all different is very rude, harmful and leave deep pain to others.   

Reference

Laureate Education (Producer). (2011). Microaggressions in everyday life [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu

Temika McCann

Educ 6164 – 1

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

Week - 3 

Despite the fact diversity and culture is very significant , we are looking  at other people from all walks of life and race  in different ways , but respect each individual for who he/she are. This week I was so excited to hear what other had to say about diversity and culture. I  had a chance to speak with people I had not heard from in  a while and to hear from them and to share my assignment together was cool! I was glad to connect with them and to find out what was their thoughts on diversity and culture, I learned a lot from each person.

The first person, I spoke with was my cousin he specified that culture was shared beliefs and values of group: the beliefs, customs, practices, and social behavior. Individuals who bring unique perspectives or outlooks to the organization. In general diverse means variety a diverse community is different people living in one or different kind of community. They may be different because of their gender, social class, upbringing, culture and religion. The second, person said that culture was a way a person live hid/her life and diversity was a celebrate different time of the year. Thirdly, I spoke with an acquaintances stated that culture was traditions, values and a person beliefs.

I really enjoyed this blog on this week. I gained so much insight about how each person shared what culture and diversity means to them from personal perspective learning from all these wonderful people just make me appreciate and respect each person for who they are and that we all are different and unique in our on ways. I learned that everyone express their self in a unique way and that what make the world a rainbow.

I did  learned  this week  that majority  people’s definitions for culture was what I learned growing up and the article and the reading  that I readied  over these last couple of weeks was amazing to hear it again through the people I interview this week.  The family and friends that, I interview on this week was not aware of dominant culture, I got a chance to share what dominant culture was and they were blown away!   According to Derman-Sparks and Edwards, (2010) said, that dominant culture is not necessarily or always mean the culture of the majority rather it is the culture of the people who hold social and political. They were astonished with the answer.

As I look at culture and I had gained so much insight that have open my mind on a whole different level, I learned this week not to judge a book by its cover. After this week what I found what culture is it has a lot to do with who a person is when he or she is around family or friends that should and need to to feel accepted by all regardless of race, color,belief  and religion . According to Dr. Gonzalez (2011) she stated in the video that a person should be able to be themselves around family and friends that what define true culture.

References:
Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J. O. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). 

 Laureate Education (Producer). (2011). Culture and diversity [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu

Blog: My Family Culture

Temika Mccann

( 6164)

The reason I chose these three items is because my granddaddy and grandmother made these items by hand. She and my grandfather took turn making these items my granddaddy was 76 years of age and my grandmother was 73 when they made these items by hand they work as a team and that what made these items unique and valuable. I remember my grandparents just like it was yesterday. My mom shared with me as I got older  she told me that she made those items because they wanted my mom to share it with her children when we became a certain age to where we could really understand the meaning behind it. I thought that was amazing to know that. I really treasure these items and hold them deep to my heart.  The design in these items reflects the southern culture and I was astonished. And these items bring so many memories just as if they just gave it to me and my family yesterday. The reason I chose to take those items because religious has always been a first priority in my family culture. Just to know that my grandmother made a handmade bible cover is so thoughtful and something for me to cherished as I put my bible inside of it. I would take the blanket because every time, I cover up with it will remind me of my grandparents and how they cover up with it when I use to go visit them. Lastly I would bring with me my outfit. Our culture enjoyed making clothes and was very creative with the designs and I would cherished the outfit knowing that it was handmade makes it very meaningful to me. As I arrive at my destination if I had a chose to take one of my items my grandparent made me I will take the bible cover with me. The  bible cover mean so much to me than the other two items because it will let me know and remind me that God is always with me no matter what battle I may be in he is in the midst. I will hold this bible cove deep and dearly to my heart. Overall this was a vital topic and I am so glad to be able to shares with Dr. Parrish and my classmates. This assignment have really open my mind how little things can be yet so meaningful to a person and their family culture life.

Have a wonderful week Dr.Parrish and Everyone!

Blog: My Family Culture

Temika McCann

The reason I chose these three items is because my granddaddy and grandmother made these items by hand. She and my grandfather took turn making these items my granddaddy was 76 years of age and my grandmother was 73 when they made these items by hand they work as a team and that what made these items unique and valuable. I remember my grandparents just like it was yesterday. My mom shared with me as I got older  she told me that she made those items because they wanted my mom to share it with her children when we became a certain age to where we could really understand the meaning behind it. I thought that was amazing to know that. I really treasure these items and hold them deep to my heart.  The design in these items reflects the southern culture and I was astonished. And these items bring so many memories just as if they just gave it to me and my family yesterday. The reason I chose to take those items because religious has always been a first priority in my family culture. Just to know that my grandmother made a handmade bible cover is so thoughtful and something for me to cherished as I put my bible inside of it. I would take the blanket because every time, I cover up with it will remind me of my grandparents and how they cover up with it when I use to go visit them. Lastly I would bring with me my outfit. Our culture enjoyed making clothes and was very creative with the designs and I would cherished the outfit knowing that it was handmade makes it very meaningful to me. As I arrive at my destination if I had a chose to take one of my items my grandparent made me I will take the bible cover with me. The  bible cover mean so much to me than the other two items because it will let me know and remind me that God is always with me no matter what battle I may be in he is in the midst. I will hold this bible cove deep and dearly to my heart. Overall this was a vital topic and I am so glad to be able to shares with Dr. Parrish and my classmates. This assignment have really open my mind  and eyes an let me know not to despise the small things an how little things can be yet so meaningful to a person and their family culture life, I feel is awesome!

Temika Mccann

August 23, 2014

When I think of Research

As an educator when I think of research, I used to think it was boring but after taking this class I now have a better understanding and I now know how vital it is. Over the last 8 weeks I have learned so much from the class mates and Dr Kien who is an awesome teacher that really cares about her student education.  I have increased and grow in a way that it will be helpful to me and my families that I work with.  I learned the fairness that we need to have when conducting research on children and families. I now have a new outlook on the way that I look at research and I realize that research as to be authentic and valid.

During these last 8 weeks I learned that there are several ways and methods of research. For example triangulation, mixed methods an quantitative and qualitative methods.  I now have a greater understanding about research that will help me on my journey as I continue in the field of early child development. After taking this class I was able to learn that through mixed method you would want to include independent variables dependent to help make the study reliable. I also learned how to make up question about your research and also how to create hypothesis. Research is still fresh and I still have my obstacle that I have to deal with but I am more comfortable than I was when I first started.

As an educator I now look at planning designing, and conducting study I know there is a lot more I need to learn but I feel that I am headed in the correct direction after taking this class.  I feel when planning, making sure as educator we have the current and up to date information that we need when conducting a study and we have to make sure always that our information is valid. It is also very imperative as educators that we our making sure that the participating information is vital and will have a huge impact on a study with their feedback. As you design the study we have to make sure that the study stay fair and make sure that all participant our treated with dignity.

After taking this course has change how I look a research and I learned the importance of research to the field of early childhood field.  This class has been a eye opener and I am so glad to have had the awesome teacher to help me understand this class the way I do Dr. Kien really opened my eyes as well with the passion she have for research has been very inspiring to me .to the deficit model in research and how we should not use one statement of one group and apply them to other groups. According to  Mac Naughton, G., Rolfe, S.A., & Siraj-Blatchford, I. (2010) said , it is vital how we look at research and we have to make sure that we are respecting participants and children as we conduct our research.

Over all this class has really motivated me to learn more about research and I was scared at first full of fear but I now have a better understanding how research work and the importance of research in earl childhood. I learned about a variety of tools and methods and how to read research on a higher level and help me to find valid and creditable information to help guide me when looking for specific information on  early childhood topics.  As an educator I would like to take this time to thank all of you guys for your feedback, comment and advice. I really enjoyed this class and this class would not be the way it is without the awesome teacher we had Dr. Kien rocks!

 Reference

Mac Naughton, G., Rolfe, S.A., & Siraj-Blatchford, I. (2010). Doing early childhood research:

International perspectives on theory and practice (2nd ed.). New York, NY: McGraw

Hill.

Temika McCann

Research around the World on an International Level

 I have chosen to focus my attention on Australia as I have a very strong interest in their early childhood program and very curious how they tend to run and operate their programs and see if their is some similarity and difference and anything eles I find that catch my eyes. I noticed that some of the issues that this educator struggled with were also a concern that is heavy on my heart. They have had some huge concerns about more than a few investigations all resources on the Learning are produced by experienced professionals in early childhood and related fields. Our quality assurance process means that each resource is independently reviewed before being published. main concern is to make sure that each child is receiving the necessary, affordable and quality education as well as satisfying the families. I found out there are concerns regarding the budgeting and resources for the children and their families.

After carefully exploring this site I have discovered this organizations similar to National association  for young children , which is one of the leading, nationwide resources for early childhood that has great resources to offer to children, parents and educators. Their websites offer information to educators and families.  The institutions also value Integrity, Collaboration and maintain respectful and trusting relationships with others to support the achievement of positive outcomes for children and their families. I was inspired that they value and promote acceptance of diversity in our work and that of the broader community.

After exploring this website I can truly can say that our similarities surprised me, but I did find one difference that I would like to mention.  It seems to me that in Australia I thought that was very different from the US. I am not that aware of how the procedures and the history of Australia, but as I continue to explore more I will share with you more as I continue to do more research.  I am appreciative that organizations with the purpose of improving early childhood conditions exist worldwide.  I feel as an educator it will be through the worldwide group effort, net working with other early educators and media to continue to help and assist these children and families to become successful. That’s why research is so vital in the field of early childhood. I am so glad to be a part of this great movement.

Reference

http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/our-publications/australasian-journal-early-child...

http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/about-us/

Mac Naughton, G., Rolfe, S., & Siraj-Blatchford, I. (2010). Doing early childhood research: International perspectives on theory and practice (2^nd ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.