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Dispatches From the Barbershop
You can tell a lot about a person by their posture. This is especially important as an educator because our students aren’t always willing or able to articulate their feelings or struggles clearly. 1/x
You can tell a lot about a person by their posture. This is especially important as an educator because our students aren’t always willing or able to articulate their feelings or struggles clearly. 1/x
But because we care about our students, we have to read those non-verbal cues as they can be the ‘red flags’ that help us to avert a crisis. That being said, it’s just as important to look out for our colleagues and ourselves as it is to look out for our students. 2/x
Without adequate self-care, this profession can take a toll on anyone. As a Black educator, navigating a system full of barriers to success in service of our children can be incredibly taxing and I, like a lot of other people, show my stress in my posture (so I’ve been told). 3/x
By now, you’re probably asking what any of this has to do with the barbershop. Well, something I’ve always noticed is how much straighter my back is and how much taller I walk after I leave the barbershop, and I’m sure I’m not alone in this. 4/x
There certainly is something to be said for a fresh cut and a beard trim but I think there’s more to it than just a really good haircut. There’s something special about this space. 5/x
The barbershop is one of those unique places where Brothers and Sisters can meet, catch up on the news of the day, run some jokes, debate and (vehemently) disagree about politics, defend a favourite sports team, and impart wisdom and advice to the youth in their midst. 6/x
The barbershop is a great ‘levelling’ influence because it doesn’t matter what walk of life we come from, everyone is going to need a line-up at some point. 7/x
So, I started to wonder what it would feel like if my students left my classroom at the end of every school day feeling as inspired, valued, and energized as I do when I leave the barbershop. 8/x
What would it take for our students to feel like they’re on top of the world when we say 'goodbye' for the day? It may seem an odd thing to say, but the parallels between the barbershop and an inclusive classroom are numerous. 9/x
Both welcome people as they are, both respectfully make space for a variety of opinions while allowing us to stand firm in our own beliefs, and, with enough care and effort, both can leave those in our care feeling ready to take on the world. 10/x
To those that think I’m making too much out of nothing, visit a culturally relevant teacher’s classroom or my barbershop and see if they don’t leave you feeling like “a million dollars.” 11/x
Man, I miss my students and my barbershop. 12/12
