Discovering the Meaning of Social Justice Within the Classroom

                     Social Justice may seem like this vague term to describe overall justice between people in our society, but the reality of social justice is constantly changing depending on individual background and experience. In a classroom setting, the environment, curriculum, and overall learning expectations can be greatly influenced by the common culture. This common culture is then forced to mold into ALL students, including those who have no personal connection, experience, or relativity to the curriculum.

                     Social Justice fights for the level playing field between all students. By creating a environment in which students feel personally connected to their learning, students can establish a deeper meaning and purpose for achieving the goals. As rethinkingschools.org states, " Schools and classrooms should be laboratories for a more just society". As teachers it is our job to be constantly aware of our student's needs in the curriculum.

                    Many schools fail to employ a safety net for those students who do not fit the common " white man" mold that has been established within most schools in the United States. Although most teachers are also facing the decline in school funding, teacher pay, and large class sizes, we must always be looking for innovative ways to create equality within the classroom.

                  Some ways we can create a socially equal classroom is to begin with the students. If my students find zero relevance to the text assigned, it is my job to figure out what impacts my students on a more personal level. For example, if my classroom consists of a large minority group, then it is my job to discover their cultural interest and values. Once finding that I can connect specific details into reading choice. I must find ways to make learning applicable for all students.

               By becoming culturally and socially sensitive, I can then make choices that best fit my students. This begins with respect. By respecting all cultures and social experiences through curriculum choices, student's innate curiosity for learning increases. This should be respected in all classroom subjects. The teaching should probe the way students connect to society, and how we are often limited as well.

              As the author says, " The curriculum should equip students to talk back to the world". Students need to learn how to pose critical questions about the world and our role in society. Through this critical thinking approach students can gain skills that ultimately provide a voice for change within themselves. As teachers we must not be afraid of our students questioning social reality. This is where learning shifts from not only the classroom, but into real world problems and solutions.