TOCA Conference CU-Boulder 2010

Attending the TOCA Conference at CU on November 9th, 2010 was a very fulfilling experience with many lessons to be learned. I have been working on developing an ally program at the University and I always look forward to hearing from others on their experience as allies and the work they are doing to support others. I really appreciated the message from Gary Howard they keynote speaker about the importance of white allies teaching white students about privilege. I think this is a large piece of the institutional racism we face in our system that must be conquered. It is one thing for educators to work with under represented communities in efforts to build their voice but if we want to tear down our power structures at some point there has to be a culture shift for white identities under standing their privilege.

I also attended a workshop on how to support undocumented students. Immigration issues and access and affordability of education for all students are two of my biggest passions so I was very excited to attend this break out. I enjoyed engaging in the policy conversation and was surprised to learn that if the DREAM Act (a piece of legislation I have felt very strong about) will not help undocumented Colorado students. Due to legislation that exists in Colorado is the DREAM Act passed tomorrow these students could only take advantage of the military aspect of the legislation and not the educational. This is why people are advocated for ASSET, legislation that would allow undocumented students to get in state tuition on Colorado and then benefit from the DREAM Act. This was knowledge I did not know about but is vital to my work and I appreciate the workshop for sharing this information.

Overall, I left TOCA feeling refreshed. It is always great to surround yourself with other student advocates and agents of social justice. I also enjoy continuously learning and revaluating how I can be the most effective educator and this conference gave me many opportunities to do this.

"Ain't No Power Like the Power of the Students...

...'Cuz the power of the students can't stop!"

The battle cry echos through the streets of DC. From museum to monument everywhere you turn their are students of all identities mobilized under one common idea, education is a right.  The student movement in action is the most powerful thing I have ever been able to witness or be a part of.  To be an educator in the United States of America means to foster student activism so that future generations do not let someone else's interpretation of the past dictate their future.

My past as a student leader/activist is key to my ideology that if the USA wants to state competitive in the globalizing world we have to focus on what is important and that is educated our people. Mentors in my education built the fire within me to fight for my voice to be heard and that is a tradition that most continue in American schools. A social science educator in American school have the chance to build student voice every day by facilitating learning about the human experience everyday. This means students need to be giving the chance to develop their own ideas and express them in a safe environment. No other content area offers more chances than social science.

That empowerment can not just come from learned facts and dates about the privileged cultures in America. An educator in the USA should also be expected to teach in a cultural competent classrooms where students get a holistic view at what the American experience is for all identities. Allowing students the chance to look out the lens of their own community creates a chance for allies to develop and promotes a coalition of the student voice that is imperative in our democratic society.

Although it is key for educators to allow students to form opinions and hash them out while gaining a cultural competent education, the number one task for educators in the United States of America is to be an ally and advocate for the student population. As amazing as it is to stand next to fellow students in the fight for education, the rush that I will get when I am an educated surrounded by students who feel empowered enough to mobilize and fight for social justice.

The battle cry will never be sound more victorious in my ears than it will be in that moment.