If we find it too difficult for white teachers to relate to minority students and vice versa, should we only have white teachers teach white students and minority teachers teach minority students? How can we learn from one another if this is the case? What do we do in a room with an evenly mixed population of students? Even further, can an American teacher teach a foreign student from another country whom they cannot relate to?
Several of the teachers interviewed by Delpit say that white teachers strictly follow the book and place all their emphasis on teaching what is in the textbook and curriculum and that is the style of teaching taught in most teacher education programs. Do you agree? What are some of the pros and cons of teaching from the textbook? If you cannot relate to your students on a personal level, what alternatives to the textbook can you think of?
Are we doomed to have only white teachers in our schools? If so, what are some ways to encourage individuals of color to enter the teaching profession?
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