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Barb Lazar replied to the topic I don't want you to feel like a light bulb in the forum We Want to Do More Than Survive: Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom – 2021 Summer Seminar Responses 2 years, 10 months ago
Eileen,
Thank you for this anecdote; it is through our stories that we can know ourselves better. Like Stephanie, I wonder what the 17-year-old Eileen thought or understood of this? You seem to convey a pretty strong sense of yourself then, but the Eileen that we have gotten to “know” has such wisdom and awareness, and I wonder what other events…[Read more] -
Barb Lazar replied to the topic My Original Post Came Out as a Reply to Marla…Let's Do This Again.. in the forum We Want to Do More Than Survive: Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom – 2021 Summer Seminar Responses 2 years, 10 months ago
Kelly….
Your final line rang so true…;) Oh, by the way, I need to read and give feedback to 70 essays! haha
Your own schooling seems like one that allowed you the chance to grow as a student, with encouragement and opportunities. This kind of scaffolded experience is one that allows for you to now be an educator who understands and appreciates…[Read more] -
Barb Lazar replied to the topic Always the "perfect" student in the forum We Want to Do More Than Survive: Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom – 2021 Summer Seminar Responses 2 years, 10 months ago
Ashley,
Thanks for sharing this aspect of your learning personality! I know I have appreciated your eager support throughout our time together, and realize that perhaps that is the two sides to your coin?! I wonder how your drive to achieve – and it has worked for you, no? – impacts your students and their learning styles and backgrounds?
I like…[Read more] -
Barb Lazar replied to the topic More questions than answers….growing up an activitst in the forum We Want to Do More Than Survive: Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom – 2021 Summer Seminar Responses 2 years, 11 months ago
Kelly,
Thanks for your comments. Service to “assuage guilt” may not have been the right phrase, but back then (late 60’s-70’s) I did hear kids say things like, “I feel so guilty that I have so much. I can do service to help others….” Not a bad thing, and it did seem to provide a balance for those seeking such opportunities during that time/era.…[Read more] -
Barb Lazar started the topic More questions than answers….growing up an activitst in the forum We Want to Do More Than Survive: Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom – 2021 Summer Seminar Responses 2 years, 11 months ago
Logan School, on Prairie Rd, and Howard Junior High on 17th St. in Wilmette, Illinois, were a part of my formative experiences. Growing up in a very modest home, especially for the area, a house chosen by my parents shortly after I was born, and based on their research of “good” schools, access to public transportation, and budget. Bonus fea…[Read more]
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Barb Lazar started the topic Austrian Soil Response #2 – What is in your heart? in the forum On Austrian Soil – 2021 Summer Seminar Responses 3 years, 8 months ago
“But Margret,” I respond, “have you ever heard Anna say she feels so alone? Can you imagine a generation of people unable to say what is in their hearts? Unable to express remorse, to ask to be forgiven – even for what is ultimately unforgivable(Perl 190)?”
I look forward. I look back. I hear – don’t hear – my father’s stories of his time durin…[Read more] -
Barb Lazar replied to the topic On Austrian Soil Reflection #2 in the forum On Austrian Soil – 2021 Summer Seminar Responses 3 years, 8 months ago
Julia,
Yes, yes, and yes. This dual pandemic – the silent hidden virus AND the pervasive and insidious racism that we are often silent about. Yes, upon our return to schools, we can not ignore these dynamics. Like the memorials and monuments of Horst’s walking tour, we are confronted with our country’s past. If “Goldhagen traces the roots of anti…[Read more] -
Barb Lazar replied to the topic Andrea's Letter (pg. 117) in the forum On Austrian Soil – 2021 Summer Seminar Responses 3 years, 8 months ago
To all of you wonderful humans – this thread – resting with Andrea’s letter p 117 –seems to resonate so intensely – perhaps even more at this time and place in history. Again, this responding to the humanity – the human-ness of our students, while being present as human. Not so easy. Yet…. I wonder if I have been too hesitant to give space to/fo…[Read more]
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Barb Lazar replied to the topic Part 1 Reflection in the forum On Austrian Soil – 2021 Summer Seminar Responses 3 years, 9 months ago
Ashley – and Meaghan,
This idea of being fully present and human and sometimes vulnerable in the classroom is integral to who I strive to be when teaching. Yes, the first time I teared up in class, I was mortified, but it was at that point when my students “got it” and allowed themselves to more fully grasp the humanity (or inhumanity) of the e…[Read more] -
Barb Lazar started the topic On Austrian Soil – Response #1 in the forum On Austrian Soil – 2021 Summer Seminar Responses 3 years, 9 months ago
On Austrian Soil – Response #1
From the introductory comments, I have first been struck by this grounding, fundamental statement: ““Writing offers those willing to grapple with unsettling issues a new place to stand, a place where prejudice can wither and empathy can be nourished (xiv).” As we prepare to return to school in the midst of this du…[Read more] -
Barb Lazar replied to the topic Reflection 1: On Austrian Soil in the forum On Austrian Soil – 2021 Summer Seminar Responses 3 years, 9 months ago
Stephanie, I get it….We are immersed in the clash of cultural upheaval. The world is in disarray, and schools and teachers are taking some of the brunt. I have students and colleagues and friends of color who are hurting and scared and angry. And I also see those who are fighting with art to push back and make sense of this global quicksand – as…[Read more]
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Barb Lazar replied to the topic "On Austrian Soil" Reflection #1 in the forum On Austrian Soil – 2021 Summer Seminar Responses 3 years, 9 months ago
On Austrian Soil – Response #1
From the introductory comments, I have first been struck by this grounding, fundamental statement: ““Writing offers those willing to grapple with unsettling issues a new place to stand, a place where prejudice can wither and empathy can be nourished (xiv).” As we prepare to return to school in the midst of this du…[Read more] -
Barb Lazar replied to the topic Greetings from Sunny South Carolina! in the forum 2021 Summer Seminar Participant Introductions 3 years, 10 months ago
Hello, Melissa!
I have never been to South Carolina, but I can appreciate that it has given you a welcome relief from the Michigan winters; I grew up in Wilmette, a Chicago suburb, but am happily living in the temperate climate of Albuquerque, NM.
I also love love 7th graders — they can be a handful, but I miss that energy since we have been out…[Read more] -
Barb Lazar replied to the topic Hello from Montana! in the forum 2021 Summer Seminar Participant Introductions 3 years, 10 months ago
Hello!
Reading about how your energy comes form your students resonated with me. That, and missing my dear colleagues, has been the most difficult for me. I am, however, so fortunate to have my family here, and we also enjoy the outdoors. We go to our cabin up in the Jemez Mountains, and recharge!
Looking forward to learning from and with you… -
Barb Lazar changed their profile picture 3 years, 10 months ago
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Barb Lazar replied to the topic Hello from Vermont in the forum 2021 Summer Seminar Participant Introductions 3 years, 10 months ago
Hello, Sandy!
Don’t you just love middle school?! I really love this age! I have learned so much from the MS students I have taught over the years — their innate sense of justice rings true (though sometimes it comes out as, “That’s not fair!”), and when I have introduced the Holocaust, the sobering connections they form amaze me. Lately, we (my…[Read more] -
Barb Lazar replied to the topic Kelly from St. Louis in the forum 2021 Summer Seminar Participant Introductions 3 years, 10 months ago
Hello, Kelly!
It sounds like you have an invigorating teaching schedule! Which class(es) do you find most exciting? What an opportunity to have an entire course to teach the Holocaust. Some years, I have felt lucky to get more than a few weeks!
I appreciate that you enjoy hanging with your peeps! I have 3 girls, and during the COVID…[Read more] -
Barb Lazar started the topic Greetings from the Land of Enchantment! in the forum 2021 Summer Seminar Participant Introductions 3 years, 10 months ago
Hello from the Land of Enchantment! Here in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and like many of you, I am in the limbo of remote-school ending and summer break-ish, navigating the dual pandemics of COVID and racism, managing health and family, and working at moving forward. I have lived in New Mexico for most of my life now; for my first teaching job I…[Read more]
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Barb Lazar changed their profile picture 3 years, 10 months ago
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Barb Lazar became a registered member 3 years, 10 months ago