I was just visited by one of my former students, who should've graduated in 2008 but has yet to complete his high school education. He just needs to finish one class and he'll be done, but he doesn't seem motivated to do so.
His visit made me think about all of my former students - some are still struggling to find a direction, others have finally found their way. I recently reconnected with two former students on facebook. Both were bright in high school, but didn't have the best grades or motivation when I was their teacher. Now, one of them is at USC and the other at UCLA. It's so rewarding to see students thrive, and it reminds me not to give up on any of them.
Some of my kids are stubborn little seedlings, who need extra time and nourishment to develop into amazing wonders. But they can, and it's my job to remind myself and them of this.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Why this Blog
My passion for education struck me at an early age. I remember being outraged at the inadequate education I felt that my younger sister was receiving at the local elementary school. I'd look at her homework and ask, "Why aren't you dividing yet? Why aren't you reading novels?" I'd begin ranting about the state of public education in urban cities, and felt compelled to supplement my sister's subpar education with assignments of my own. This is how I, at the age of 13, became a teacher, using my sister as a testing ground for lessons in reading, writing, and arithmetic.
As I grew older, I followed the careers of distinguished educators like Rafe Esquith, Jaime Escalante, Erin Gruwell and LouAnne Johnson. I read their books, watched the movies they inspired, and vowed that I would one day be like them. I would teach, guide, and inspire those of my community.
In college I was active in progressive student organizations, serving as a mentor for local youth, and marching for educational equity and access. I could not wait to become a teacher and change the world.
And now, as I complete my sixth year of teaching, I find myself feeling like I have not yet accomplished that of which I am capable. A third of my seniors still do not graduate on time. Too many of my students reach motherhood before obtaining a diploma. I feel that my curriculum is not as rigorous as it could be and I frequently question my effectiveness as a teacher. For these reasons, I've decided to start this blog -- to give myself a space to reflect and most of all, to become better.
As I grew older, I followed the careers of distinguished educators like Rafe Esquith, Jaime Escalante, Erin Gruwell and LouAnne Johnson. I read their books, watched the movies they inspired, and vowed that I would one day be like them. I would teach, guide, and inspire those of my community.
In college I was active in progressive student organizations, serving as a mentor for local youth, and marching for educational equity and access. I could not wait to become a teacher and change the world.
And now, as I complete my sixth year of teaching, I find myself feeling like I have not yet accomplished that of which I am capable. A third of my seniors still do not graduate on time. Too many of my students reach motherhood before obtaining a diploma. I feel that my curriculum is not as rigorous as it could be and I frequently question my effectiveness as a teacher. For these reasons, I've decided to start this blog -- to give myself a space to reflect and most of all, to become better.
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