Studology101
DutyNow had the opportunity to interview two imperative roles in the LGBT community. Studology101 did us the favor of answering some important questions, giving us a look into their beliefs on urban education, and the role members of the LGBT community play. Take a look:
DutyNow: what are some of the challenges lgbtq educators face, in your opinion? Have you any encounters with lgbtq educators/educational administrators?
Studology101:
Challenges LGBTQ educators face are about the same challenges any other educators would face. Getting people to trust you enough to listen and implement your advice is probably the hardest. We have encountered a few difficulties with some (which we will not name) but, I think that since everyone has a different style of teaching not everyone will see eye to eye. I think a huge problem we encounter is educators being in competition with other educators. Instead of working with one another, their competitive mindset kicks in and everyone is on their own.
DutyNow: what do you think about masculine identified lesbians dressing feminine in order to teach? Feminine gay men toning down their personalities in order to teach?
DutyNow: what do you think about masculine identified lesbians dressing feminine in order to teach? Feminine gay men toning down their personalities in order to teach?
Studology101: Well we are huge fans of being yourself at all costs! I believe if parents, even schools, would do their job and educate people on homosexuality and teach people to accept other than hate then it would be a lot easier for people to be themselves. It is hard when you are trying to educate youth and they are asking you if you are a man or a woman. No one really wants to have sit and break it down to a kid that isn't theirs in the first place about what homosexuality is. I can see why people would rather save all of the confusion by just conforming, but we personally would dress how we want. Clothes doesn't make a person.
DutyNow: what do you think about parents pulling their kids out of classes after finding out their kids teacher is gay/lesbian?
DutyNow: what do you think about parents pulling their kids out of classes after finding out their kids teacher is gay/lesbian?
Studology101: To each his own. If you don't want your kid to be taught by a person of LGBT than you may as well turn off your television sets now. Our community plays a huge part in fashion and almost everything you see on tv nowadays. Your kids will eventually be introduced to the lifestyle. They won't be children forever.
DutyNow: what do you think lgbtq educators/educational administrators can do to combat the scrutiny they face from parents/bosses/society? Do you believe a separate union for lgbtq educators should be formed to ensure their rights?
DutyNow: what do you think lgbtq educators/educational administrators can do to combat the scrutiny they face from parents/bosses/society? Do you believe a separate union for lgbtq educators should be formed to ensure their rights?
Studology101:
They could get together and do some strategic planning. Your sexuality doesn't have to be brought up at work. Whether you are an educator or retail sales associate. Their should be no discrimination going on in the work place, but unfortunately there is. If the educators got together I'm sure they could stir up something.
DutyNow would like to thank Studology101 for taking the time out and answering some important questions! Be sure to check out their website (www.studology101.tv) and support another positive movement. Our YOUth Begins With YOU!
Angela McLeod-Rackley
DutyNow had the opportunity to interview an imperative part of Albany, New York's community, particularly in regards to the youth! Angela McLeod-Rackley did us the favor of answering some important questions, and gave DutyNow insight into her beliefs on urban education. Take a look:
DutyNow: What are your thoughts on urban education?
Angela McLeod-Rackley: When I think of Urban education, I often think of schools that are overpopulated, lack of resources, lack teaching diversity and students who are being housed in facilities that are in need of repair. I also think of all the wonderful things that take place in these venues that are often overlooked by negative things. Some of the biases related to urban education are that most of their youth are not college bound ,all come from broken homes,the youth do not value education,the youth can't learn and communities dont care. Some students who attend these schools often feel they can get a better education elsewhere, that teachers don't care, college is not obtainable, and that much of the responsibility is put elswhere and they dont have much control over their education. There is lots to be done to equal the playing field. DutyNow would like to thank McLeod-Rackley for taking the time out and answering some important questions! Our YOUth Begins With YOU!
Rochester Mentors
DutyNow: What is Rochester Mentors stance on education in "inner-city" America?
Rochester Mentors: The position of Rochester Mentors is that all children need support beyond school walls to fully understand and reach their own potential. Mentoring delivers a more motivated student to classroom, and that is a key component to the success of any school whether it is struggling or thriving. DutyNow completely agrees with Mr. Newland, and thanks him for his input! Make sure to check out Rochester Mentors website, at www.rochestermentors.org and support a positive movement!
Project X
DutyNow had the wonderful opportunity of linking up with Project X, a Violence and Suicide Prevention movement headed by Holliwood Spivey Spinner! Project X, and quote, "defines the strength, positivity, and support that NEEDS to take place in order to survive." When discussing students and educational reform, it is never simply about the curriculum. Social aspects also take a place in examining students, and their ability to succeed. Spinner did DutyNow the favor of answering some imperative questions, take a look:
DutyNow:When you think of Urban education, what comes to mind?
Project X: Thinking of Urban Education meaning the lack of education in these schools, I think of the ignorance to the topics of the streets, the violence, the bullying, the in home problems, the background of where the lack comes from. What happened to actually taking education outside the schools? Asking your youth how their day was? Did they have any issues? What's one thing they would like to learn about throughout the school year? Education shouldn't stop at school...EMPOWER & ENGAGE!
DutyNow: What are some biases related to urban education?
Project X: Low expectations of urban students create an environment where children are not challenged to aspire to greatness. There are suburban teachers who know very little about the urban environment, and make assumptions like parents don't care, when there are MANY parents who care but are in survival mode as single parents and do not have the luxury of being stay at home mothers. Since TAXES partially fund education impoverished neighborhoods and dilapidated housing directly effect service provisions in schools.
DutyNow: What are struggles students face that are often swept under the rug or or overlooked?
Project X: Urban students face many struggles. One main struggle, I believe, which exists is being provided with an education that liberates. Education should provide you with the tools to change your condition and environment. There isn't thought given to the long term effects of poverty and how to eliminate it. For instance, children who live in poverty may not be able to complete homework because their utilities are off. Children who don't eat may come to school lacking focus, because all they can think about is being hungry. Poverty leads children to try and COPE, by doing things like drugs, acts of violence, and more. DutyNow: What are some strategies educators, mentors, schools, etc could use to address the internal/external problems students face day by day?
Project X: In todays society the generations now NEED people that relate to them. That can sit down & tell these kids that they've been there & are still in the process of going through it. When I was in school I didnt want someone coming in that I didn't know & that I know couldn't engage in what I had going on in my life. It's just the interaction of their minds and relating to their needs-asking kids maybe at the beginning of class how their night was prior to coming to school-that's important. You never know why a student may be acting out until you ask, so holding a 15 minute discussion prior to the beginning of a lesson may decrease some issues or conflicts which, otherwise, would arise! To find out you need to research, even if that means having an outside community source coming in and interacting with these students.. IT'S CRUCIAL!
DutyNow would like to thank Holliwood Spivey Spinner, and Project X for all they are doing to uplift the youth, and for taking the time to interview! Be sure to check out Project X's Page on facebook, and contact the page's email at ProjectX.SV@groups.facebook.com! Let us support this positive movement! Our YOUth begins with YOU!
Project X: Thinking of Urban Education meaning the lack of education in these schools, I think of the ignorance to the topics of the streets, the violence, the bullying, the in home problems, the background of where the lack comes from. What happened to actually taking education outside the schools? Asking your youth how their day was? Did they have any issues? What's one thing they would like to learn about throughout the school year? Education shouldn't stop at school...EMPOWER & ENGAGE!
DutyNow: What are some biases related to urban education?
Project X: Low expectations of urban students create an environment where children are not challenged to aspire to greatness. There are suburban teachers who know very little about the urban environment, and make assumptions like parents don't care, when there are MANY parents who care but are in survival mode as single parents and do not have the luxury of being stay at home mothers. Since TAXES partially fund education impoverished neighborhoods and dilapidated housing directly effect service provisions in schools.
DutyNow: What are struggles students face that are often swept under the rug or or overlooked?
Project X: Urban students face many struggles. One main struggle, I believe, which exists is being provided with an education that liberates. Education should provide you with the tools to change your condition and environment. There isn't thought given to the long term effects of poverty and how to eliminate it. For instance, children who live in poverty may not be able to complete homework because their utilities are off. Children who don't eat may come to school lacking focus, because all they can think about is being hungry. Poverty leads children to try and COPE, by doing things like drugs, acts of violence, and more. DutyNow: What are some strategies educators, mentors, schools, etc could use to address the internal/external problems students face day by day?
Project X: In todays society the generations now NEED people that relate to them. That can sit down & tell these kids that they've been there & are still in the process of going through it. When I was in school I didnt want someone coming in that I didn't know & that I know couldn't engage in what I had going on in my life. It's just the interaction of their minds and relating to their needs-asking kids maybe at the beginning of class how their night was prior to coming to school-that's important. You never know why a student may be acting out until you ask, so holding a 15 minute discussion prior to the beginning of a lesson may decrease some issues or conflicts which, otherwise, would arise! To find out you need to research, even if that means having an outside community source coming in and interacting with these students.. IT'S CRUCIAL!
DutyNow would like to thank Holliwood Spivey Spinner, and Project X for all they are doing to uplift the youth, and for taking the time to interview! Be sure to check out Project X's Page on facebook, and contact the page's email at ProjectX.SV@groups.facebook.com! Let us support this positive movement! Our YOUth begins with YOU!
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| Founder of Project X, Holliwood Spivey Spinner |
