To my students of color,

 

I am your teacher. I have spent years learning, training, and preparing to be able to teach you the things that will not only teach you my content but hopefully prepare you to be a successful person.

 

However, I am a white woman. This means that even though it's my job to teach you, there are so many things I need to learn from you. There are, of course, always things I can learn from my students. But there are many important things that only you can teach me.

 

I recognize that isn't fair. It isn't fair that you have to educate me on the things that you experience regularly. But the truth is I need to know how often you're targeted by authority figures because of your color. I need to know how often you're scared. I need to know what racist comments are being said behind and in front of your back. I need to know your experiences that are unfortunately so different from mine.

 

It isn't fair that you have to know these things and I don't. I'm your teacher and I should be the one teaching you. But you need to teach me.

 

You need to teach me because I am your teacher and I love you. I am your teacher and I want to help you. I'm your teacher and I want to protect you.

 

I'm your white teacher and I'm ready to listen.

 

Love ALWAYS,

Ms. Y