Tips for Teachers from Tara:

Welcome to the newest addition to the Adoption Clubhouse! Every month I will bring tips for educators on how they can better support the children that are adopted and in foster care in their classrooms. I’m Tara Aldrich, an educator for over 10 years, an adult adoptee, and a proud parent through adoption. It is from this combination of experiences that I bring my unique perspective on this issue.

Meeting the needs of every student is a teachers’ main priority. With the face of today’s nuclear family constantly changing teachers often struggle with understanding how to meet those needs. Every month we will address topics and provide resources that teachers can use to enhance the school experience for those children that were adopted and those in foster care.

My first tip comes about from my own personal experience. It is important that educators have a clear understanding of appropriate and positive terminology surrounding adoption and the family it creates.

Not long after my son became a part of my family, a fellow colleague asked if I would ever tell him about his “mother”. After gaining my composure, I responding by telling her that I would openly share what information I have about my son’s birthmother (or genetic mother) when he is ready for it. I also made it known that I am and always will be his mother and parent; the one who tucks him in at night and greets him each morning with a loving smile.

We often don’t think about the impact of our words. Words can tear down or uplift. As educators there is only one option for us.

Look for more on the language of adoption in the coming months and learn more adoption-positive terminology in Adoption Talk.