Molly Robbins is a teacher as Cherokee Trail High School, where demographics are 70% Black, 20% Asian, and 10% Latino. There are 3,000 students in this suburban school. How is she an effective Teacher Ally in such a large and diverse school? Meeting with Robbins provided some insight on how to be a great Teacher Ally and some of the most important aspects to remember.
Robbins most considers herself to be a Teacher Ally to students that have some sort of struggle at home. How does she do this? She is a part of the equity team, a group of teachers that engages students of color academically and in the school community. Being sure to take the time to get to know each and individual person, she is able to create meaningful and lasting connections with her students. Some examples of this could include: greeting each student at the door, always saying hi (in hallways, other classrooms), stop at everyone's desk each day, give them opportunities to share their stories. However, there is an ally between ally and friend, and Robbins states that an ally empowers, while a friend enables. You want to be that teacher that provides students with opportunities to achieve all that they want.
No matter how great an ally Robbins is, she discusses the times that she has faltered. Everyone falters at some point in their teaching cateer (probably multiple times each year). When this happens to you, be sure to take a step back to refocus and replan. At this time, it is important to find your allies and work together to get through your struggle.
Why is it important to become a Teacher Ally? When kids are down, as there is a dramatic increase in mental health referrals, teachers are the first-line of defense to provide tools on how to cope. It's essential for students to feel safe in school in order to get the most out of their education. When students feel heard and like they belong (everything that a Teacher Ally should do), their want to learn and succeed grows tenfold.
It was an enlightening experience to meet with a practiced Teacher Ally, someone who can offer advice for preservice teachers. When the concept of being an ally, and more so, an effective ally, becomes a little intimidating, it is very comforting to meet with an ally expert.