Supporting tolerance by teaching in the 'hood.
When I was in El Segundo (just north of Long Beach) I picked up this book. It is about a first year English teacher in a tough, multi-racial highschool in Long Beach. Armed with idealism, wit and courage she managed to guide 150 "remedial" English students to multi-layered success. Many surprised their district by graduating high school AND going on to college. They met Stephen Spielberg, the woman whose parents sheltered Anne Frank and her family, the Secretary of Education, the Superintendent of Long Beach Schools and many more. 
If you thought you "knew" what kids are going through in urban schools, think again. If you aren't doing anything to help, support, guide and teach them, I hope you'll reconsider.
If you are a teacher, or know a teacher, please invite them to read this and figure out how to incorporate the attitudes of Erin Gruwell into their classrooms.
The Freedom Writer's Foundation is teaching teachers all over the country how to help young people relinquish the hatred, bigotry, traumas and pain they grew up with. Oh, and they learn to read, write and consider the cost of political inaction as well.
1 comment:
I will have to check this book out. I am constantly trying to figure out ways to teach acceptance to my children. It is amazing sometimes the information they come home with (both good and bad!)
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