Distance learning gives a peek into teacher instruction time. Yes, it may be different but is some reflection of how teachers sound or act in the classroom.
In the first week of at-home distance learning, I received an email from a teacher using ‘he/she’ pronouns referring to their students. I responded writing:
I want to point something out to you. It may sound trivial, but to the people it matters to most, it can be enormous. I noticed you used he/she. this might seem inclusive, but it actually flies in the face of people not aligning with either. using the singular “they,” the context is intact and better includes everyone. I thank you in advance for choosing inclusion going forward.
– Kathryn (She/Her)
A short time after, I watched the same teacher’s video instructions for class, starting with, “Good morning, boys and girls.”
Never receiving a response from my initial email, I decided to seek out someone else. I was put in touch with the building principal regarding my concerns.
Speaking with the principal, I said the crux of the issue is ‘He/She’ and ‘Boys and Girls’ are not inclusive.
I don’t *think* this particular teacher MEANS to project microaggressive, gendered language, but their continued use and lack of response compelled me to speak out.
Options for inclusive language can look like using ‘they/their’ as singular pronouns and greetings such as, ‘Hello, class.’ or ‘Hi there, everyone.’
The principal listened to me and said they’d have a conversation with the teacher. Also saying, if the teacher has been doing this for years, it might be hard to change and even some of the time is an improvement.
I said my peace, tried to make my little slice of the world a smidge better. Thanking the principal for their time, I spoke of allyship being 365, not just when it’s fun to walk in a parade.
I was more wanting a higher up, district representative. If this isn’t a best practice across the board, then it is happening in many places and is the status quo.
Sharing my experience with a friend, they spoke of the ripples of my action as the impetus of bigger changes. They also thanked me for being brave and speaking up and out. Gosh, I didn’t feel brave.
We all have the power. Having our voices heard we can all stand together. I encourage you to be a voice where you feel drawn to speak out and up.
