Respecting Culture, Beliefs, & Religion

I'm a third grade teacher. During a Social Studies lesson about Native Americans, an African American student makes the comment that all Native Americans look like "wetbacks."

The term "wetback" is offensive because it refers to Mexicans who have come into the US; suggesting that their backs are wet from illegally crossing the border. This is an insult to the Mexican people. As a teacher, I would inform the class of the inappropriateness of the comment made. I would assign the student who made the insult an assignment to educate him on Mexican culture and help him understand the reasons why people want to come to the US and why it is tempting for some of them to risk doing it illegally. I would make sure that he/she understood that even though it is illegal; some Mexicans think that it is worth it in the end. I would explain to him that even though these people do have consequences for their actions; they should not be ridiculed or insulted for wanting to be an American. I would also ensure that he/she understood how much of a privilege it is to be an American. The response should be the same whether the student is a part of the group being insulted or not.


There are many situations that may arise while being a teacher that may make me feel uncomfortable and may test my beliefs. One particular situation that I pray I never have to face is dealing with a student and family who is atheist who wants to take a stand against those at school who do believe in God or similar situation. My responsibities as a teacher is to respect each and everyone's beliefs. However, people who do not believe in God is a difficult belief for me to respect. In fact, I don't respect it at all. I am just thankful that even though I have to keep my opinions to myself and not try to convert these type of people; I can still pray to my God about these situations. I will uphold to the school regulations and my duty as a teacher in not forcing my beliefs on any student.