Classroom discussions @WhiteRoomRadio

We are pilots of words,

navigators of thought and air,

managing hot and cold gusts which

buffet these vulnerable vessels, still learning

how to fly.

We are captains of sound and sense

and creators guiding the open space,

caressing the closed ear,

bidding it inhale the words

of the other

and exhale the words

of the self.

We are drivers of discussion

headed for the bridge

suspended tenuously over doubt.

I am learning not to lean so heavily upon the horn

and not to break.

Poet's biography

Name: Melanie White

Place of residence: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Your favourite quote:

"Knowledge emerges only through invention and re-invention, through the restless, impatient, continuing, hopeful inquiry human beings pursue in the world, with the world, and with each other." Paulo Freire

Your one wish for the world: That all human needs would be would be seen as a collective responsibility.

Where can we find out more about you (Website link): I don't have a website, but I do have Twitter, Instagram, and a Blog and podcast: Twitter: @WhiteRoomRadio Instagram: @inawhiteroomradio Blog: https://wordpress.com/view/reflectingonrecreation.wordpress.com Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/just-conversations/id1508179666

What teaching means to you:

I am a teacher because I am a student; education of myself is endless. I am infinitely curious and hope to inspire my students to continually

hold themselves in doubt about knowing and hope they continue to seek understanding about themselves and others. Teaching is not so much my job as my life.

A small bio about you:

I was born in Toronto and spent one year at university in Jacksonville, Florida. I came back to Canada and finished my first degree at the University of Guelph before moving to Ottawa where I now live with my husband, three children, and dog. I entered teaching after the birth of my daughter and her disability has allowed me to see the world differently. I have become intent on using my position of privilege to disrupt the status quo for equity. I work to bring diverse texts to classrooms, explore other culturally relevant ways of knowing, and diversify the course content whenever I can. I am learning from the scholarship of BIPOC educators and equity is a driver for me in my teaching. I podcast my learning of justice and equity with Amanda Potts on a free podcast called, "Just Conversations". https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/just-conversations/id1508179666 Please let me know if you have any other questions and happy new year!

Melanie White Pronouns: she/her Department Head, English and Fine Arts Nepean High School Twitter: @WhiteRoomRadioInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inawhiteroomradio/ Blog: https://wordpress.com/view/reflectingonrecreation.wordpress.com