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White educators might seem hesitant to consider themselves as “interchangeable,” but a teacher in Tacoma argues it is an important concept to understand if they hope to connect with students of color.

Hope Teague-Bowling told ³ÉÈËXÕ¾ Radio’s Dave Ross that “interchangeable white lady” is a term thrown around with some local teachers. It’s part joke, part reality.

That’s because one of the biggest challenges for teachers is getting through to minority students who don’t feel like they’re served by the system. Teague-Bowling’s husband — and the 2016 Washington Teacher of the Year — says one of the most important jobs for teachers is building relationships with students. However, white teachers have a steeper hill to climb when connecting with minority students.

Teague-Bowling says whenever a teacher first walks in front of students, they are making judgments based on how the person dresses and carries him or herself. A young white woman, for example, can represent a lot of things — some good, some bad. A white woman can represent “the system” and certain forms of communication, she explains.

To combat that, Teague-Bowling always keeps her students in mind.

“For me, the challenge is stepping outside of what I’m comfortable with to connect with students,” she said.

Stepping outside that comfort zone has included playing fantasy football and watching professional wrestling. She tries to find new connections all the time.

Teague-Bowling suggests white female teachers need to understand who they are in order to connect with students.

“We have to own where we are coming from in order to make that connection with someone who is different than we are,” she said. “One of the best ways to move forward is understanding where you come from as a jumping-off point.”

It still isn’t an easy job, however. Teague-Bowling, who is married to a black man and speaks multiple languages, can still have a hard time connecting with students. So how do other teachers with a less diverse background hope to succeed?

“If you’re in the classroom and want to help connect, you’re going to do what it takes,” she said.

Listen to the entire conversation below.