Congratulations to Marissa Klinger
The Role of the Republican Woman in Today’s Classroom
Marissa Klinger
Great Bridge High School, Chesapeake, VA c/o 2023
Seeking a BA in Elementary Education at Randolph Macon College
I remember sitting in my AP Government class, and feeling uncomfortable, excluded, and an outsider. The other students around me would constantly get into heated debates about controversial issues occurring across our country. One day we were discussing the overturn of Roe V. Wade, and something compelled me to speak up. I gave a list of reasons why abortion is never the answer, but my voice was automatically shut down by a girl who preaches daily about the Devil. Being the only Republican Woman in a room full of others who have opposing views is a tough situation to be in. As a Republican Woman in our nation, we have to undertake many different roles and responsibilities, but at the same time we have to respect different ideological viewpoints. This is especially true of Republican Women in the role of classroom teacher.
According to The Republican National Committee, Republicans believe in liberty, economic prosperity, preserving American values and traditions, and restoring the American dream for every citizen of this great nation. As a party, we support policies that seek to achieve those goals. I am proud to say I am a Republican Woman going to school to be a teacher. Some of my responsibilities as a Republican Woman teacher are to provide equal opportunities for my students, hold my students to high standards, and amongst other things teaching my students about our common American history. It is in this common history that we find unity and examples of strong American values. It is also important that I help my students by providing opportunities to help them do their very best and strive for excellence. It is within the realms of excellence that students can learn what their American dream is. Every student in my classroom will be given equal opportunities to be the best that they can be. I will provide an inviting, welcoming environment and hold all of my students to high standards both academically and morally. Sometimes it is hard to be brave and speak up when I’m in the minority as a Republican Woman at my school. I don’t want my students to feel like they can’t speak up for themselves. I want them to all feel valued not only as students, but also as human beings.
In the example from class, my classmates had opposing views on abortion. It took a lot of courage to speak up and when I did, I was interrupted. This was frustrating for me as I waited my turn and listened respectfully to my classmates’ views. However, one of my responsibilities as a Republican Woman is to respectfully disagree and that is what I did. I allowed the conversation to be interrupted then I respectfully reminded the class that I was sharing my viewpoint. Then I hopped back into the conversation and offered a different approach. I think that because I was respectful, I was listened to. Sometimes it is definitely hard to stay quiet, however when I speak out I do it in a respectful manner. I feel that this is an important quality of a Republican Woman teacher because if you want to be respected you have to first show others respect, even when that same courtesy isn’t extended to you. This is something that I will ensure happens in my own classroom from day one when I set my expectations and standards.
As a Republican Woman future teacher, it is important that I set an example for my students. I want my students to know that opportunities are out there to better themselves and that the American dream still exists. I also want my students to know that they are safe with me, but I will expect them to work hard always striving for their own excellence. My students will know that my classroom is a safe space to voice different ideological viewpoints. I never want a student to feel isolated and disrespected like I did in the classroom. I will also instill strong values and morals in my students.
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