The Journey of Empowering Education: Miss Mae Mae's Real Talk

In an episode of the MindShift Power Podcast, we had the privilege of diving into the impactful insights of Miss Mae Mae, a dedicated Spanish teacher from Michigan with over twenty-five years of experience in underserved populations. Hosted by the dynamic Fatima Bey, this episode explores the importance of keeping it real with students and addressing the challenges in the education system.

Keeping It Real with Students

Miss Mae Mae emphasizes the importance of honesty in the classroom. "Keeping it real is telling it like it is," she explains. By helping students understand the purpose of their education and how they can benefit from it, teachers can create a more meaningful and effective learning environment.

The Problem with Not Keeping It Real

The conversation highlights how societal pressures and policies, like No Child Left Behind, have led to students being passed from grade to grade without truly mastering the necessary skills. This results in students reaching high school unable to read at a fourth-grade level. "We are enabling these students to so-called progress... based on societal pressures rather than academic prowess," Miss Mae Mae asserts.

Real-Life Stories

Fatima shares personal stories of working with students who were pushed through the system without adequate skills. One such story involves a young girl who couldn't read at her grade level but was expected to move on. With dedicated support and guidance, she was able to excel and become a top student. This underscores the importance of individualized attention and intervention.

Challenges in Education

Miss Mae Mae discusses the challenges teachers face in the current education system. She notes that teachers are often held accountable for students' grades without being given the necessary resources or support. This makes it difficult for educators to fulfill their mission of shaping and molding young minds.

Addressing Special Needs

The episode also touches on the mislabeling of students with special needs. Both Fatima and Miss Mae Mae express their frustration with students being placed in special education programs unnecessarily, which can do more harm than good. "When they don't need it, it does more damage than good," Fatima passionately states.

Overcoming Language Barriers

As a second language teacher, Miss Mae Mae highlights the importance of addressing language barriers in the classroom. She shares her experience working with students who speak Spanish at home but struggle with reading and writing in the language. By providing targeted support, teachers can help these students succeed without labeling them as special needs.

Creating a Safe Environment

Miss Mae Mae believes in creating a safe and supportive environment for students to take risks and ask questions. She encourages students to advocate for themselves and emphasizes the value of hard work and perseverance. "If they can look themselves in the mirror and say, 'I worked hard and achieved that B-minus or C-plus, I'm proud of me for doing that,' that's more important than a student who just googled the answers and got an A," she explains.

The Importance of Communication

The episode also delves into the impact of technology on communication skills. Miss Mae Mae notes that students often struggle with verbal communication, preferring to text even when sitting next to each other. She values the opportunity to teach Spanish because it requires students to use their voices and engage in oral communication.

Apathy in Education

The conversation addresses the issue of apathy among students, particularly in underserved populations. Miss Mae Mae and Fatima discuss how societal values and the availability of information on the internet have led to a lack of motivation in students. They stress the importance of instilling a desire for learning and critical thinking skills.

Final Thoughts

Miss Mae Mae encourages teenagers to stand up for what they believe in and to make a difference in the world. She urges them to find their passion and communicate their values. Fatima echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the power of self-expression and the importance of listening to young people's voices.