"I know I can Be what I wanna be If I work hard at it I'll be where I wanna be" |
 | Preparing to fight the enemies of the educational system |
"Get to Know Me"
In the picture, above, I took time to stop and pose as my uncle took a picture at a family reunion in Ohio. Within my family, there are two dynamic groups; ministers and teachers. This is the case on both sides of my family. Although my family originated in the south, the majority of my family now lives in Ohio. The capital of Ohio, Columbus, is where I am hail from. Once graduationg from Pickerington High School North in 2004, I traveled to Nashville to attend Fisk University and later Tennessee State University.
Following my graduation from Tennessee State University, in 2010, I returned home. Unable to find a teaching job, I returned to my continuous summer job at KinderCare Learning Center. It was here that I taught preschool, toddlers, and infants. With the recommendation of a colleague, I applied for AUSL. At the end of June, I moved to Chicago. The following month, I started my year long journey with AUSL.
Why Would You Choose "Urban Education"?
When I made the decision to pursue education, I was unsure of which path I wanted to take. However, I was sure that I did not want to work in an environment that was similar to my educational experience. Although I attended school in the suburbs from fourth grade until I graduated high school and I received a well-rounded education, my personal experience was dismal. Upon moving to the suburbs, I quickly associated suburb with white. Everything around me was white and very few faces looked like mine. Throughout the years, I was faced with hidden racism that did not see beyond the color of my skin. I was told through whispered words and devious actions that I did not matter and I had no business being in "their school."
Although my students may never face the challenges I endured, they are continuously told they do not matter when their school does not receive equitable funding for textbooks, soap, and classroom materials. As an educator, I never want my students to feel as if they do not matter. Every student that crosses through the doors of a suburban, rural, and/or urban school is important. Every student who will walk across the threshold of my classroom will be encouraged to give their best, pushed to become greater than their surroundings, and shaped to become the best man and woman possible. I will hold my students to high expectations in every facet of their life.
Educational Reform in Urban Schools
How is it that so many of our nation's schools are falling behind, lack equitable funding, are in administrative chaos, and being closed at an alarming rate. Recently, I was called on to give feedback regarding this issue and others. Using VoiceThread, I highlighted structural dynamics that inhibit teachers, a teacher's role in high-stakes policy environments, and how we can begin to turn our schools around. Our students are looking to us to revitalize the schools and give them hope. Recently, for a class project, I created a blog that touches on numerous issues related to educational refor, turnaround schools, and more. Wishing to remain relevant and up-to-date with current events, I will continue to keep the blog and share m views regarding the things that I see. In the meantime, feel free to check out my beginning steps.
WHAT DO I BRING TO EDUCATION??
I feel that as educators we are aware of our skills, strengths, weaknesses, and/or assests that will enhance the education world we will live in. When I take time to consider myself, I believe the first thing I am bringing to this world and my students is a loving heart. Although I will not be a saviour on a white horse coming to save them, I will be a loving yet strict teacher who will give them the tools to save themselves, their families, if necessary, and their surroundings. I will comfort them when they are in need but demand respect, honesty, and the desire to try.
Second, I bring a sense of order. Those who know we well know that I like everything to be in its place. This applies to my apartment as well as my classroom. When things are in order, the day can flow smoothly and no one is thrown off schedule. For students, it is important that the have a schedule. Once placing them on the schedule, it is almost cruel to move them awa from it; it confuses them. Therefore, I strive to keep the things, which I can control, as orderly as possible so m students do not suffer.
