I strive to be a teacher ally for social justice.

Reading "Aspiring Social Justice Ally Identity Development" by Keith E. Edwards, my conceptualization of what it means to be a teacher ally has changed completely. At first, I thought that being a teacher ally, no matter the motivations, no matter where directed, was a positive thing. However, after reading this article, I have found that there can be issues when motivations and directions are misguided. For example, an Aspiring Ally for Self-Interest focuses only on individuals that they know on a personal level, seek praise for being a protector, see the issues only as an exception to the system of justice, don't see themselves as having privilege, and don't acknowledge their mistakes. If we never work past this level of ally-ship, no issues will improve in our world.

I can see aspects of myself within all of these aspects of being a teacher ally. However, I probably identify most with Aspiring Ally for Altruism. I want to be an ally for my students (i.e. other), I try my best at admitting mistakes (but I am not always the best at this), and I feel guilty for the privilege that I may have. It's difficult to admit these characteristics, as I strive to be an Aspiring Ally for Social Justice. My motivations need to switch to focus to all of us, I need to focus on the system/issue within it, and I need to seek critique in my mistakes.

I will definitely work towards becoming an Aspiring Ally for Social Justice. I can get there by working with everyone, focusing on the injustices in the world, and seeking to liberate us all. I can stay there with my passion for making the world a better place (for EVERYONE).

I strive to be an ally for social justice. And hopefully through my work on this badge, I can move closer to reaching that goal.