I'm Just a Girl!

Oh, this is a good one...

How has being a man or a woman influenced my life? How has it limited me? Sustained me? Opened up possibilities?If I had been a man instead of a woman or vice versa, how would my life have been different?Finally, think about how your personal attitudes and beliefs might influence you as a teacher. How might your identity impact your perceptions, actions, and beliefs in the classroom?

Well, just let me start off by saying I'm proud to be a girl. I wouldn't have it any other way! There are many opportunities I don't believe I would have ever experienced if I had been a boy - or...the experiences would have been WAY different! ;-)

First of all, I don't believe I would have ever wanted to be a teacher if I were a man. I probably would have gone off into the business world...OR I would have been a major player! Second of all, I don't think I would have had the drive or determiniation I have today. Men often have it pretty easy...they don't have to deal with womanly problems such as "that time" or worrying about multiple things at a time, or even contemplating what to wear and with which shoes, jewelry, and bag?! I have heard the word NO many, many times in my life. Now, do I think all of those times were because I am a girl? Absolutely not. However, I am sure that many of those times WERE in fact for that very reason.

I remember back in high school I had a group of friends who started a band. They were looking for a lead singer, so I offered to help them out. They told me no because they "weren't looking for that kind of sound." Now, I'm was not about to beg to be heard, but I did insist (demand, rather) that they give me a try. One verse was all it took and we successfully formed "Khaki's Ex" (don't ask...) the most fabulous high school band EVER! Well...not ever, but EVER for that year! We even went on to win the talent show that year and played several gigs around town. If I had been a guy - I don't even think I would have been interested in doing that.

In my classroom, obviously I relate to the girls more than the boys. I only have six girls in my class this year, so we've stuck together ;-) I also think I can relate to the boys, but on a different level. I've always been a jokester, so I'm good at forming a relationship with them that way. However, when it comes to actual "boy stuff" I have no clue what to do! That's usually when I seek out a man's perspective. I ask my husband or the male teacher next door what to do. I don't even pretend to think I know how to deal with that! The students are so impressionable at this age and I want to make sure I do all I can steer them in the right direction. Plus, many of the boys in my class do not have readily accessible dads at home, so bringing in a positive male influence is a good thing.

There are many times when I believe that the boys in my classroom do not respond well to me because I am female. Like I said, most of the boys are raised by their mothers, so to them I am just another mother figure. I am easily ignored and disobeyed. When these circumstances arise, there isn't much I can do - the boys don't respond to any female authority. Again, this is the time I seek out another male teacher in the building to get my point across.

As far as my personal beliefs and attitudes go, I try not to delve into that too much in front of the kids. They know I am "no nonsense" but that I am also fun and sarcastic. That has always been a very helpful and bonding thing for me - especially in my classroom management. I try not to discuss those taboo topics, such as religion, at all if possible. In this day and age, parents are sue happy and I would prefer not to be on the receiving end of that. On the other hand, I like to keep a relaxed atmosphere and want the kids to be comfortable, so I try to encourage them to discuss what is on their mind. They are actually pretty good about knowing what is an acceptable school discussion, so I don't worry too much.

All in all, I hope to make a positive and enlightening impact in my students' lives - whether I'm a woman or not...