As an educator it is important to advocate for the students and community. We must take responsibility and leadership both within our classroom and outside of our classroom. Sometimes it can be hard to stand up against administration and social norms but that doesn’t necessarily mean that what we are doing is for the common good. Living in a world that is changing so rapidly and where decisions made for schools are often by people who don’t understand what is going on in the classroom. That being said, it is important to advocate for both your needs and the needs of your students. This includes advocating for different types of grading systems and assessments rather than sticking to the “traditional” ways that seem to fit less and less.
Furthermore, as educators it is our responsibility to set a good example for our students. It is important for us to eliminate bias in our classrooms and form meaningful relationships with students. It is necessary to show that even when we disagree with others that doesn’t mean that we should just dismiss them. In order to do this, it is important to understand that students come from diverse backgrounds and make our classroom an inclusive environment because it is not a bad thing to have differing perspectives; oftentimes, this can actually be a benefit. In conclusion, there are many ways for educators to promote the common good including, but not limited to being advocates, taking leadership, setting a good example, and creating inclusive classroom environments.
