Education is the methodical creation of the habit of thinking.
Ernest DimnetRead
Progressive white teachers seem to say to their black students 'Let me help you find your voice. I promise not to criticize one note as you search for your song'. But the black teachers say 'I've heard your song loud and clear. Now I want to teach you to harmonize with the rest of the world.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the different perspectives on education between white and black teachers, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and incorporating diverse voices.
Lisa Delpit's quote contrasts the approaches of progressive white teachers and their black counterparts in teaching. While white teachers often aim to support black students in expressing their own individuality without criticism, black teachers focus on helping these students integrate their voices with the broader world, promoting a sense of harmony and understanding. This underscores the importance of acknowledging cultural differences in education and the necessity of teaching students how to navigate and succeed within a diverse society.
Themes
EducationDiversityVoiceHarmonyTeaching
In practice
Example use cases
During a teachers' conference focused on inclusivity, this quote could be used to spark discussion.
Similar quotes
Teaching is a profession in which capacity building should occur at every stage of the career - novices working with accomplished colleagues, skillful teachers sharing their craft, and opportunities for teacher leadership.
Randi WeingartenRead
I know because I read...Your mind is not a cage. It's a garden. And it requires cultivating.
Libba BrayRead
Till women are more rationally educated, the progress in human virtue and improvement in knowledge must receive continual checks.
Mary WollstonecraftRead
High school teachers who want to get reluctant readers turned around need to give the students some say in the reading list. Make it collaborative: The students will feel ownership, and everyone will dig in.
Dave EggersRead
In ninth grade, I came up with a new form of rebellion. I hadn't been getting good grades, but I decided to get all A's without taking a book home. I didn't go to math class, because I knew enough and had read ahead, and I placed within the top 10 people in the nation on an aptitude exam.
Bill GatesRead