White Teacher

by Paley

Vivian Paley presents a moving personal account of her experiences teaching kindergarten in an integrated school within a predominantly white, middle-class neighborhood. In a new preface, she reflects on the way that even simple terminology can convey unintended meanings and show a speaker's blind spots. She also vividly describes what her readers have taught her over the years about herself as a "white teacher."

Genres: Education, Teaching, Nonfiction, Memoir, Race, Read For School, School

136 pages, Paperback

First published April 18, 1979

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had to read this during my undergrad. The name says it all. This lady wants some sort of award for teaching students with a different skin color as her. Insert sarcastic slow clap here...

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not totally sure where I fall on practitioner research just yet, but this book is a strong argument in its favor. Paley's systematic recording of experiences and impressions, not to mention her openness in addressing issues of race and class that confound most attempts at productive dialogue, make this worth the read.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Paley's honest account of coming to terms with colorblindness take the form of highly readable anecdotes. While the text is greatly outdated (few of us could image telling a young, black child in our class "my, I love how soft your afro feels") the struggles and honest observations of Paley's early years as a teacher are a great urging for us to "talk about what we value," as teachers. As a product of the "colorblind" generation who was taught not to speak about color this book was a great awakening for me.

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mildly interesting read about one educator's experiences with race in the classroom. The book might have flowed better if the vignettes didn't seem so separated and the author didn't waver between discussing cultural issues in the classroom and the importance of play in kindergarten. I might recommend this one to those in the teaching profession interested in reflecting upon race issues in classrooms, but be forewarned that it is not the best book---at least it was a quick read!

[Karen P · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish that I had found Vivian Gussin Paley earlier in my teaching years. I am in awe of the things she discovers about herself, her desire to change, her ways of watching and listening and allowing children to play and be who they are and acknowledge, support and encourage them. In writing about her own experiences in the classroom, and in this book, she is writing about her multi-racial class and her own discoveries about her thinking and her speech with the children, her honesty, her hope and her desire to change herself, is so clear. She is not preaching or demanding, she is living and showing her own transformation, and acknowledging the process, which includes, and really is dependent on, the children.
We must let children play, and we must listen with open minds and hearts as they work to figure out the world.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first thing I wanted to say about this book is that, yes, it's dated and some of the verbiage and even some of Ms. Paley's actions as a teacher have no place in today's classrooms. That said, for a book written 40 years ago White Teacher provided some surprising insights into my own unrealized thoughts and fears as I try to navigate teaching children whose backgrounds and cultural norms are different from my own. There have been times where I, just like Ms. Paley, have avoided the subject of race with my students altogether because I wasn't quite sure what to say. The theme of being consciously anti-racist, rather than unracist or "colorblind" in the background but never doing anything about it, is one that is continually relevant to society.

[Gayle · Rating 4 out of 5]

If this book taught me anything it was that I am not born to be a teacher! This account of the author's experience teaching kindergarten in a school with a diverse population was more like a primer in how to handle a classroom of kindergarteners. But it was also about her experiences as a Jewish woman working in a world of racial awareness and her own growth in recognizing her hesitancy in dealing with certain issues. It was interesting to read of her responses to classroom situations; my own would often have been much different. I'm unsure how I feel about her approaches but it did make interesting reading.

[Tommy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The only reason I didn't abandon this book is because I felt like it would be a shame to not finish a 130-pager. The goal of White Teacher was unclear, and as a result, the execution lacked direction. Ms. Paley told a lot of stories about white children and black children, and how she reacted t to these various interactions. Yet, the only real takeaway was that we adults have very developed prejudices, and kids to a lesser extent, so maybe we ought to try to be more like kids?
2.4/5 stars

[Fernando Torres · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an inside look of a teachers day in school. White Teacher, by Vivian Paley, is a book about a kindergarten teacher who taught in an integrated school where she learned to recognize diversity within her classroom. Race, religion, and disabilities are somethings that aren't necessarily talked about openly within classrooms.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic. I can't believe I hadn't read it until now.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's interesting to think about these interactions in little children. These actions are not so blunt in high school students.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Jordan Parker]

Great book to read if you are going into the teaching field over all just a good read.

[Maggie Mattmiller · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were a couple of ideas I got from this book, and definitely some things to think about. There were also definitely some phrases/words said, things done that I would/could NEVER do/say in my classroom, just due to today's world that maybe were okay back then.

I'm glad I read this one, and I might tell some people a thing or two I got out of it, but I'm not sure if I would recommend it. I'd tell them about it, and let them make their own decision for sure.

I didn't love that in the beginning I feel like there were a variety of children and topics covered, and then the second half (or two thirds) all seemed about the same group of kids. I felt like either cover a year with one class and one group, or focus on a number of different groups.

Again, a bit outdated, but I am glad I read it. (Or I enjoyed parts of it anyway.)

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a huge Vivian Paley fan for years with Wally's Stories and then about six others. Perhaps I thought her first book, White Teacher, wouldn't be as strong. Boy, was I wrong. Once again, the power of her insight and her almost brutal honesty knock me over. It's a kind of Miss Marple effect: a kindergarten teacher offers profound insights for educators at all levels. And with Paley's deft writing, those little kids probe the edge of consciousness; together they lead a revolution for social justice!

[Kit · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned a great deal about teaching minorities from this book. I think the most profound lesson I got from White Teacher is that we as white people tend to ignore differences in other people, specifically children. We do so because we are afraid that acknowledging these differences is racist. By ignoring these differences we are being just as hurtful. Children tend to feel isolated when their differences are not validated.

[Kari · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was OK. It was a bit disjointed, and hard to get into. Basically the author is reminiscing about her years as a teacher and having to deal with the issues of racism in the classroom. How she treated students differently, unintentionally, but did come to realize that she was doing it, and worked towards fixing it. It was an OK read. I guess if you were going to be a teacher it would be worth reading, but for the average Joe, maybe not.

[Shanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book for a class called Multicultural Education. Paley discusses her experiences as a kindergarten teacher, and the issues she faced in a multicultural classroom. She explains how she overcame barriers and how she learned from her students. It's a very interesting, easy read! Paley makes you challenge the way you think about race and she demonstrates the importance of treating every child equally. I only wish Paley had shared some useful tips or lesson plans.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am getting ready to start this book. We are reading it in one of my education courses. We will see how it goes!

In the end I really enjoyed reading this. I think it is a great book for all teachers to read. Her honest account of labeling her students because of their race really helps to see the importance of treating all of your students equally. I think that it is a great book to help understand how to create a safe and comfortable environment for all students.

[Julie Ricenbaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read this book during my Multicultural Education course required in the Doane Fast Track Program. I think this is a great read for any teacher. The writing style is more of a documentary and a self-reflection of a white kindergarten teacher, Vivian Paley. Vivian walks you through her experiences with multicultural differences within her classroom. The book challenges the way you think and helps you discover some of you own prejudices.

[Natalie Ulm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is great for multi-cultural education. Vivian Paley is a kindergarten teacher who teaches in an integrated school. She learns what it takes to be a successful teacher in a time where diverse situations are more common than ever. She finds herself as a teacher and as an individual. Her story of perseverance and exploration is an inspiring experience. Our world is ever changing and being open minded is crucial to the success of our children and grand-children.

[The Loco Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gave a lot of play-by-play which happened in Paley's kindergarten classes during a time where desegregation was occurring. It gives a lot of good examples of how students interact with each other and a little insight on how to not lump students together. I didn't think it was the most amazing read, but it was great to read about some racial questions which arise in the classroom in order to be prepared myself for my own challenges I will face as a classroom teacher.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the perspective of author and how she has changed as an educator when dealing with student differences and race. She relies heavily on the idea that she too felt different in schools because she is Jewish. Even though I have never felt different in school because of my ethnic background... I still gained an insight of my own reactions in the classroom.

[Cecilia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I laughed, I cried, I mastered blowing my nose into an invisible kleenex and hurling things into an empty fireplace in response to this enriching memoir. Paley tells of her experiences as a new teacher and addresses the challenges of overcoming multicultural, and other, barriers in her classroom and school settings.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kudos to this woman coming out and admitting her own prejudices and recognizing that there is a problem. Not many people would be this brave. So happy Patricia A. Edwards, keynote speaker at the Literacy Conference suggested this. I agree. For any teachers out there, if you have not read this book, read it now.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's about kindergarten, and in a better-off university community to boot, but the stories of how these kids interact is amazing and insightful for all teachers. I really, really was impressed with how well the teacher was able to observe her kids and really try to understand their motivations.

[Ellyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting account of the author's experiences teaching kindergarten in an integrated school in a predominantly white, middle class neighborhood. It's outdated (1970s) and simplistic, but it adds an important contribution to the debate between integrated school and neighborhood schools.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read for any teacher (especially white teachers, I suppose). Title makes it sound like it could be inflammatory or controversial but it's really more of a diary of a very reflective, well-intentioned kindergarten teacher. The children in this book are as inspiring as the teacher herself.

[Gena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this was an interesting book to read if not just as a good conversation starter about race in the classroom. I like how it gave information through story telling, wish they would use it more with teaching books.

[Alex · Rating 1 out of 5]

Necessary topic but disappointed and outdated ideas on race