Whāia te mātauranga hei oranga mō koutou
Seek after learning for the sake of your wellbeing. This whakatauki refers to the importance of learning for it is key to your wellbeing. If you follow the path of learning, the world will be your oyster.
I am committed to the values and expectations in Ngā Tikanga Matatika | Code of Professional Responsibility and one way of showing this commitment was by completing the Unteach Racism modules designed by the New Zealand Teacher’s Council.
Racism is a complex and systemic issue that has been embedded in New Zealand society for centuries. It is important to remember that racism is not just about individual prejudice or discrimination; it is also about the systems and structures that uphold white supremacy and privilege.
The Unteach Racism initiative in New Zealand is a valuable resource for teachers and educators who are committed to dismantling racism in education. The initiative is based on the understanding that racism is something that is learned, and therefore can be unlearned.
The Unteach Racism link provides teachers with a range of tools and resources to support them in their own learning about racism, as well as in creating more equitable and inclusive classrooms. There are videos such as Taika Waititi’s unteach racism story which sets the scene for our learning.
The learning modules equip teachers with tools to identify, confront and dismantle bias and prejudice so that education is free from racism. Once on the site, an app can be downloaded to a mobile device which includes an introduction and then nine modules to work on with topics such as the history of racism in New Zealand, the different forms of racism, and how to identify and challenge racism in education.
Scan the QR code to begin the modules.
These are the nine modules and the whole process takes approximately two hours to complete.
- Unteach Racism
- Low Self Belief
- Low Expectations
- Harmful Assumptions
- Racist Exchanges
- Exclusion
- Assume Superiority
- Equal Treatment as Equality
- What’s next?
In addition to the app, the Unteach Racism initiative also provides teachers with access to a range of other resources, such as professional learning workshops, teaching resources, and a community of practice. An education sector login is required to take part in the conversations.
The Unteach Racism initiative is an important step towards creating a more equitable and inclusive education system in New Zealand. By supporting teachers to unteach racism, the initiative is helping to create a future where all students can thrive. I particularly liked the link to the Race Unity Speech Awards that shared the winning speeches on racism given by Rangatahi. The senior high school students express their ideas on how we can improve race relations in Aotearoa.
Some ways that teachers can use the Unteach Racism initiative in their classrooms include:
- Reflecting on their own biases and privilege. All teachers have biases, whether they are aware of them or not. It is important for teachers to be honest with themselves about their biases and to work to challenge them. The Unteach Racism app provides teachers with resources to support them in this process.
- Creating an inclusive classroom environment. This means creating a classroom where all students feel welcome and respected. It is important to have a clear code of conduct that prohibits racism and discrimination. It is also important to create opportunities for students to learn about and celebrate diversity.
- Teaching students about racism. Students need to learn about racism in order to challenge it. Teachers can teach students about the different forms of racism, the history of racism in New Zealand, and the impact of racism on individuals and society. Teachers can use resources from the Unteach Racism initiative to support them in this teaching.
- Challenging racism in the classroom. When teachers see or hear racism in the classroom, they need to challenge it immediately. This can be difficult, but it is important to send a clear message that racism is not tolerated. The Unteach Racism app provides teachers with strategies for challenging racism in the classroom.
- Engaging in professional respectful and collaborative relationships. We have an obligation and the power to challenge all forms of interpersonal racism, and signal that they are not ok in our settings. A way of doing this is by calling people in and challenging their racism in a way that makes the encounter safe, productive, and more likely to unteach it in them.
The Unteach Racism initiative is a valuable resource for teachers and educators who are committed to dismantling racism in education. By using the resources provided by the initiative, teachers can help to create a more equitable and inclusive future for all students.
I am committed to develop and practice te reo me ngā tikanga Māori throughout my teaching career.
This year I undertook Te Ahu o Te Reo Māori course and have just completed and passed Level 4.
I often wonder how school leaders pass these expectations as part of section 387 (6) of the Education Act, which is binding on all teachers.
As an update, this turned up from an amazing twitter buddy. There is even more that was sent to her. I find it incredibly sad that another human can be treated this way.
Sonya @VanSchaijik 