Towards Liberation

 

A Letter to Teachers: On Teaching Love and Learning Freedom -

"In part, they miss the mark because classroom management is not a technical or a mechanical skill; it is deeply relational, human work" (A Letter to Teachers: On Teaching Love and Learning Freedom). This mention is the letter really set the tone for what would be explored in the letter by Carla. As shared classroom management tools have been around for decades and remain the same. What speaks to me is the simplicity of knowing that educators work with humans; therefore, human work that would require "relationship" is not a reality that should be far. I find in even my education journey that robotic approaches from educators have always created limitations to what can be achieved as a student body. The simple approach of care, love, are the "out of the book" skills that leave positive impact in a student's experience.

I believe this is what set's apart youth work from education. In youth work "how to be" if more considered than "what to do". Exploring how we can "be love" as a "response that disciplines rather than punishes" as mentioned by Carla is a YDEV approach. Still, this is not a concept that can't be included as an educator but should be inquired about educators want to respond differently to the same old "problem".

I will admit I wasn't sure where Carla was going with the concept of preparing children for freedom. As I can't help to think that freedom looks different for everyone. Therefore, if this is something to be built in the way teachers approach their classrooms is it at the same time enforcing an ideology that can be broad and speak to communities differently. It also makes me wonder can it conflict with how "freedom" is discussed in the home versus in the classroom. Still, I can see in her examples the approach of freedom in a classroom can instead be more about the need for community and not separation; inclusivity and not removal; problem solving opportunity than regulations.

Love as a daily practice is something that can go far and allow for learning, growing, changing, and connecting. As mentioned not always easy but something worth working at daily. We can lead with care, and we can lead with love.

Cosmic Possibilities: An Intergalactic Youth Guide to Abolition -

This is a creative and visual publication. The guide is formatted in a way that allows for exploration, mindfulness, creativity and application. As I skimmed through the guide it gives me Adrienne Maree Brown "vibes" as she too loves and includes many of Octavia Butlers writings and concepts in her work.