Geneva Gay: The Power of Caring, and Samuel Freedman: Method Teaching

What does it mean to be a "caring teacher?" In this course, we will stress "relational pedagogy," or teaching conceived as a kind of interpersonal relationship between a teacher and his or her students. Geneva Gay argues that this should be a caring relationship, and goes on to define caring as applied to teaching and describe its relationship to culturally-relevant pedagogy.

Before you read, take a few minutes to think about what being a "caring teacher" might entail. Think of teachers you have had that seemed to care for you as a person, and contrast those teachers to others you considered "uncaring." What actions communicated this to you? Compare your idea of caring teachers with Geneva Gay's. Are there overlaps? Differences?

Consider your own future teaching. To what extent do you think you could live up to Gay's expectations (or your own) as a caring teacher? What concerns do you have about doing this? In what way might being a caring teacher support or interfere with your ability to teach your subject? What behaviors do you think you could exhibit that would communicate your care for your students? How might these relate to your own culture and those of your students? What issues would you need to resolve in order to be successful as a "caring" teacher?

Pay particular attention, as you read, to the topic of teacher expectations.

Samuel Freedman describes Jessica Siegal's approach to teaching on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Use what you learned from Geneva Gay's chapter to analyze Siegal's teaching. Compare her approach to what you would feel comfortable doing. What questions does this raise for you?