creating a better learning environment

Relationships with Teachers

The relationship between a woman and her teacher may be a problem that confronts a woman in a formal learning program. Because teachers are traditionally in positions of authority, some teachers, especially those who teach in hierarchical or patriarchal institutions, may see their use of power as normal. For a woman learner, this power may lead to abuse and violence; it may reinforce negative feelings or experiences from her personal life; it may create a barrier to learning.

Examine your relationship with your teachers or tutors. Has a teacher or tutor ever:

• told sexist jokes? This may happen more often in courses that are considered "male," such as science, math or trades. Some teachers do this deliberately, some simply do not see how such behaviour affects their female, and some of their male, students.

• offered a good grade or preference in exchange for sex? It may be difficult for a woman to say no, especially if she needs a good grade for a degree or certificate.

• showed graphics in classes, laboratories or shops that make women feel uncomfortable? Some teachers show slides that are sexist or racist to "get attention"; others have pin-ups in their office or shop.

• made you read things that you know are racist, sexist, homophobic? It is legitimate to ask students to read materials that are racist, sexist or homophobic and then use the reading to examine issues raised by the materials. However, it is not right to treat the racism, sexism or homophobia as proper ways to act or to use the material to put down or make fun of students in the program.

• taught racism, sexism or homophobia? All of these behaviours are forms of violence.

If you have experienced any of these in a learning situation, you are being mistreated. Talk to someone else about what you experience. You may find that this teacher, tutor or administrator has a history of this behaviour. File a complaint about what happened to you. You and other women and some men may be able to do something about this person's behaviour. Don't assume that all men are sexist, many are also uncomfortable with violence.