Our Hidden Culture

[lind...@gmail.com]

I wanted to comment about the reading for today (January 31, 2007)
about what things about one's self to keep from entering the
classroom. For example, I have an injury from what is essentially a
wrestling move. I told my classes that I strained my elbow working
out, which is a watered down version of the truth, but it seemed
bizarre that I had a need to keep the nature of the injury to myself.
On one hand this is a major part of my life and I should share it with
my students so they will get to know me. On the other, I worry about
the reactions I might get from teenagers, particularly those who watch
wrestling on television. While my example is not even remotely the
same scope as the issue in the article "Speaking of (Teachers')
Sexualities", it seems there are certain things on a similar scale
that a teacher might be a little wary of sharing because of the
reactions from the students.

Does anyone have similar feelings/stories? Am I being too cautious?

-Linda

[maggiero...@aol.com]

Linda,

This is Maggie speaking. I was touched by your sincerity in both wanting to honor your self and to afford a the truth to your students. In such matters, I have found that I have to trust my gut instinct. After all the mental thrashing about trying to decifer which is sheer personal phobia and which is violation of personal boundaries, ultimately it's my gut that decides (and typically) in-the-moment-while I'm teaching. 

Teachers are perceived as larger than life and sometimes that inflated role can offset our inner compass.

While it's sounds cliche; we all know our truth at some level.

The challenge is to listen and respect that knowledge.

 

Wishing you clarity,

 

Maggie

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[lind...@gmail.com]

Thank you.

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