REFLECTION
Raising Consciousness Educator Ronny Rodriguez reflects on embracing an anti-racist approach in teaching PE
“We can disagree and still love each other, unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression, and denial of my humanity, and right to exist.” —James Baldwin
A
s American society and schools experience growing diversity and interconnectedness, our responsibilities as physical educators must embrace pedagogical approaches that nurture, advocate, and celebrate diversity, inclusion, and empathy. As an anti-racist physical education teacher, I am committed to being an anti-racist human being beyond the gymnasium. Being anti-racist requires the development of empathy, courage, discipline, and a rebellious spirit. I actively challenge systemic racism and co-create inclusive learning environments that celebrate humanity, empathy, diversity, and inclusion. This reflection explores the significance of embracing an anti-racist approach in physical education and how I developed this disposition. SELF-AWARENESS AND PERSONAL HISTORY Being an anti-racist educator requires continuous learning, self-reflection, and advocacy. As a lifelong learner, I am perpetually learning about myself as a human being. I spend countless hours in critical self-evaluation to identify and examine my biases, assumptions, and prejudices. I am a cisgender, heterosexual, Afro-Latino male in my mid-30s — an immigrant from the Dominican Republic who was raised in a working-class environment in New York City from the age of 8.
As a child, I was privileged and fortunate to have attended elementary school and middle school in one of New York City’s most diverse districts. My third-grade PE teacher, an African American male, introduced me to literature beyond the PE curriculum, which made an indelible impression on my psyche, self-esteem, and confidence as a recently arrived Afro-Latino student in the United States. Throughout my student-athlete career, from grade school to graduate school, I had the privilege of being in integrated environments. In these settings, I interacted with peers, teachers, staff, and community members from diverse racial backgrounds, various social economic classes, different genders, abilities, and cultures. I have come to the anti-racist disposition that I embody because of the amazing human beings throughout my life who have directly and indirectly nurtured my growth through the power of their presence, empathy, insights, words, actions, and deeds. Teaching the next generation is a way of paying forward what has been fostered inside of me. COLLABORATION IS KEY Throughout my 15 years as an anti-racist PE teacher, I have actively sought input from parents and guardians, students, and colleagues alike, recognizing the valuable insights they bring to the educational process. In this way, there is shared responsibility in addressing inequities and other systemic barriers. Making connections with key stakeholders in the school community has allowed me to become an integral part of the school community. From this position, influence and change are possible, as I am “at the table.”
Ronny Rodriguez is an elementary physical education teacher at Dos Puentes Elementary School in New York City. He wholeheartedly believes that his very existence serves as inspiration to those who want to live a life invigorated by the vitality that the loving joy of movement, physical activity, and sports can foster in every human being. Ronny loves to share his knowledge and expertise with fellow educators. He was a physical education instructional coach for the historic PE Works initiative in NYC schools and a national trainer for the Let’s Move! Active Schools program, which helps schools implement a CSPAP. He is currently the EDI section president for NYS AHPERD. Recently, Ronny was part of a panel presentation during SHAPE America’s Back to School Summit.
I have been fortunate throughout my educational career both as a studentathlete and as a teacher-coach to learn and work in environments that welcomed and supported my stances about physical education being an academic subject and my propensity for social justice. By embracing an anti-racist approach in PE, educators can empower their students to challenge injustice, promote equity, and foster inclusive communities. The impact of anti-racist physical education extends beyond the gymnasium, transforming society by nurturing generations of empathetic, socially conscious individuals committed to dismantling systemic racism and building a more equitable world. Fall 2023 • Momentum
13