To My First Teacher

Last Thursday I had the opportunity to attend the MATSOL (Massachusetts Association of Teachers of Speakers of Other Languages), and listen to my mom give a keynote address during the luncheon. Although I have heard her speak many times, I found myself listening, and even taking notes. I listened through teacher ears, and found many gems in the things she said. Here are a few: 

Teaching is advocating. 
Challenge labels on our students. 
Culture is not destiny (although we are all influenced by culture)
There are no "best" practices. 
Challenge taken-for-granted assumptions. 
Students should be urged to retain their languages. 
Be a critical educator, but remain hopeful. 
Being culturally responsive is not a list of things you can do or check off. 
Be culturally responsive in ways that work for you. 
Best is different for everybody. 
Students belong anywhere they want to belong. 

My mother never misses a chance to tell me she is proud of me and to tell others that I'm a great teacher....But I wouldn't be who I am as a teacher or person without the gems she has taught me throughout the years. When I teach, my mom's words are always in the back of my head. 

Thanks Mami, for a lifelong education, for being a role model, for always inspiring me to do more and do better. 

Happy Mother's Day!!! Te quiero. 

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