Delpit/Woodson Readings, Facilitator- Claire

For Zina, Matt, Michelle, Alex, and Brian...

Enjoy the following questions for Tuesday's discussion:

1. In class on Thursday we discussed whether or not educators should “save” students. Similarly, Woodson and Delpit reflect on “well-meaning” individuals who seek to rescue students of color. These people include missionaries, progressive liberals, philanthropists etc.… After reading about such “well-intentioned” teachers, who do you think causes the most damage to students of color: a) teachers with “rescue fantasies” or b) teachers who are overtly racist? Why?

2. In 1933 Woodson wrote the "Mis-education of the Negro," and in ch.3 he asserts, "one generation of Negro teachers after another have served for no higher purpose than to do what they are told to do. In other words, a Negro teacher instructing Negro children is in many respects a white teacher thus engaged." With that in mind, how do you think Woodson would react to the disconnect between teachers of color and white teachers (as expressed by Delpit on pages 22, 24, 33, etc.)?

3. Delpit argues that educators have a duty to “accept students but also to take responsibility to teach them” (38). How have you witnessed this "call to action" in your personal experiences? What does this mean for your future teaching, especially your student teaching in the Donovan program?

Best,

Claire