Teaching to Change the World – chapter 3
I was very interested to read about the changes that have occurred in education since the 1800s and early 1900s. It also saddened me to think that many of the mindsets of educators and policymakers today still resemble some of those of that time. With that being said, what a breath of fresh air it was reading about Jane Addams and John Dewey and their common vision for school reform efforts. They were such progressive thinkers! I loved reading the quote from Jane Addams’ address to the NEA in 1908, which was given to address social concerns and how schools should deal with them.
“The schools ought to do more to connect these children with the best things of the past, to make them realize something of the beauty and charm of the language, the history, and the traditions which their parents represent…..I believe if these people are welcomed upon the basis of the resources which they represent and the contributions which they bring, it may come to pass that these schools which deal with immigrants will find they have a wealth of cultural and industrial material which will make the schools in other neighborhoods positively envious.” (p.80)
Even in 1908, Addams was able to recognize that everyone, regardless of culture, is a valuable asset to what they are a part of and they have something different and unique to contribute to the situation. She was right! There can absolutely be adaptability in a foreign country without losing the pride one has in his/her home culture. I listened to a man on CNN a couple of weeks ago and he was adamant about the importance of immigrants letting go of their native language once they’ve come to the United States and established their homes and their families here. I just don’t see the point. People should be proud of where they come from. From that pride, I believe that people will gain a sense of confidence and that confidence will help them to adapt to their new culture in a positive way.
I think that there is still so much we could learn from Jane Addams’ vision on community-centered schooling and the preservation of culture.
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Who on CNN, national television, would say something so ignorant? Is forgetting about where you came from going to help you learn English faster or make you more of an American? No. But on the same page, is it the schools responsibility to help the student retain their heritage and language of the country where they immigrated from? I don’t think so. I strongly believe that that is up to the students’ family. I also believe that we as a nation become stronger by adopting diversity and bringing more and more unique cultures into our fold.