Talking about race

I started to think critically about my interactions with people of color both in the school building and outside of the school building. I began thinking about my own personal feelings during interactions and how they differ when I am in the controlled setting of being with my students, vs what it is like when I am out in the community. I am more comfortable talking with my colleagues about race and racism but I struggle more having the conversation with my students. There is always a place to talk about race and racism with my students, but I have not found a way personally to implement this in my math classroom. In previous years I have had students respond with “it is because I am black isn’t it”, but I would assure them it was not true and push forward. In my community, I do not talk about race. It is a topic that I am not comfortable discussing. I struggle with what to discuss regarding race. After listening to and reading “10 things every white teacher should know when talking about race” I realize how I am furthering systemic racism by not being part of the conversation. I need to start listening when these conversations arise, and asking for clarification when others are making claims I do not agree with. In the past I have found it easier to remove myself from these conversations, when in reality I should be part of these meaningful conversations.