Classroom Confidential -- Chapter 10

What's the big deal about social justice? Why are the ideas of chapter 10 important for a Christian teacher?

For the most part, I have grown up in a predominantly white environment. While there was some diversity present at my high school, it was little. I would honestly admit to the same type of college experience. So, it has been eye-opening and very interesting at my current student teaching placement. There is a wide spread of races represented which allows for various cultures to be represented. I love that these kindergarten kids are being exposed to the idea of race equality at such a young age. Everyday they're taught to treat others with respect regardless of their appearance or their academic ability. I love seeing my twenty students get along well on a daily basis.

What particularly stuck out to me in Schmidt's chapter about social justice was her comment that "students long to address social injustice, but they need adult mentors to help them translate their ideas into action. They can't do it without us [teachers]" (p. 215). I think this quote strongly represents Schmidt's viewpoint on social justice. As teachers, we are to be examples of equal thinking, acting, and speaking for our children. They crave this equality and only when the see it modeled will they feel comfortable and reassured to behave the same way. What a responsibility we have!

Schmidt continues on to discuss skills that students gain when working on social justice projects:
-- Problem solving and decision making
-- Critical thinking
-- Use of persuasive speaking and writing
-- Willingness to take risks and accept challenges
-- Awareness of community needs
-- Awareness of personal convictions and abilities
-- Belief in the power of the individual to make a difference

These are such valuable skills for students to have. By introducing topics such as social justice to our students, we are enabling them to be successful in school, with other people, and in their community. All teachers should strive to help their students develop holistically; learning about and responding to social justice can help students in this way.

Specifically, the topic of social justice is important for a Christian teacher to express because it allows him/her to talk about and model Christian behavior and thought in ways 'unrelated' to the Bible. Christian teachers can discuss concepts such as morality and respect without ever speaking about Jesus or His Word. This can be especially beneficial for students who have never heard about these concepts. Teachers can promote good character and moral thinking through lessons on social justice. All students know the difference between right and wrong. Teachers will now have the opportunity to bring these topics into conversation.

As a Christian teacher, I will be teaching from my Biblical background everyday. While I may not be using terms in my lessons, my students will be exposed to these concepts through my actions and words. Social justice issues are a way in which I will be able to speak about these topics even in a public school.