ABSTRACT
I caught a look from one student to another. The Look came from one of my most precocious and bright students, right after I made an encouraging remark toward a student who happens to look like I do. Our eyes connected, and this student (who I deeply respect and believe is extraordinary) quickly looked away in embarrassment. I kept teaching, but internally, I felt a tidal wave of emotions:
Did this student think that I was biased toward people who share my racial background?
Am I biased toward students who share my racial background?
Have I been unwittingly letting down students who don’t share my racial background?
Am I showing signs of preference?
Am I failing?
Am I being more encouraging toward certain students than others?
We never had a direct conversation about this, but the silent exchange stayed with me. It remains with me to this day.