Realize.

I've been trying to write this for days. Been reflecting on awareness a lot throughout the summer. This is supposed to be a movement, Teach For America and all. But on the real, how many people really know what they're teaching for? What kind of issues are we REALLY dealing with? Sure, our students will be behind. They probably won't be reading on their grade level, they'll most likely be reading several grade levels behind. Furthermore, their writing skills definitely won't be on point, and thankfully... they'll probably be close to their grade level in math (being universal and all). This will only change if our excellent, dedicated teachers know why these situations are the way that they are. Check check:

In 2006, Joseph Carruth, a principal in Camden, NJ was fired for fixing state tests and changing transcripts to allow students to graduate.

Larry Couch, a superintendent in Oklahoma, was indicted in April for embezzling 979,000$ from the district schools.

A NYC principal was fired after sprinkling chicken blood all over her school to try to get rid of the "negative energy" and subsequently to help bring about behavioral changes in her school...


Awareness involves knowing that not everyone is working in the best interest of your students. Common sense would tell you that you only become a teacher or an administrator if you care about kids and want to see them succeed. Unfortunately, common sense is hard to come by these days. Having this awareness simply raises the importance of our job as educators. Not only might you be the only one working in the best interest of your students, but you'll undoubtedly be working against a myriad of obstacles that your students are facing in an effort to get a quality education. Grown individuals who have already attained an education, and clearly understand the value of having an education will stand in the way of students receiving the same. This is why you have to be on your A game at all times. No one is going to pick up the slack for you. Leave nothing undone, don't assume that someone else will give your students the tools that they need. Hope for the best, but act as if you'll experience the worst.

I've been thinking about a theme for my class for the year. I came across this picture while browsin.....


First thoughts: That's deep... especially because the picture was taken right on Georgia Avenue (around the corner from my school). Whoever wrote this is dreaming about peace, a better life, so on and so forth, but not finding their dreams come true. Once I checked my thoughts: Nothing is happening, because all you're doing is dreaming. What are dreams without actions? We've been told all our lives that it's ok to dream-- and now people are warning us that are dreams might not come true? Why not? If you're going to dream and hope for something better, than you had better be prepared to make that happen. I want to blow this picture up and hang it in my classroom. Next to it, I want to have a poster board where students can post their dreams on sticky notes. From there, we're going to develop ways we can attain those dreams--step by step..whether they be small or large. They need to know what's good... this ain't disney... we're talking about making your dreams become a reality.

Final thoughts:

If your reality is ever insufficient for your desires, dream. Dream of going to far away places. Dream of doing the impossible. Dream of being someone other than who you are destined to be. Dream of a world where people demand more, and where truth and peace are not just our father's values. Dream. But when you awake, seek your dreams with the same passion and fervor that you did when you were asleep.

-The Education Prince.

Beginnings.

6 weeks down... 104 to go (subject to change). institute/induction have come and gone. 6 weeks later, and i'm feeling the inevitable excitement of being a new teacher. it wasn't like I wasn't excited 6 weeks ago, but actually spending time in the classroom and being surrounded by fellow corps members puts it in perspective.

comedy:

grilled cheese 2x a day
riding the school bus
"excuse me, where are you idiots going?!"
"the jokers almost came to blows"
"Janus"
mad lesson planning
"We got a muslim in the house! Hoo Hoo Hoo Hoo"
writing lesson plans wrong on purpose
being in bed by 10pm
waking up at 5am
seeing students at Temple
clownin on philyssa with craig
Rad Rad
"You a lady, a ladiesssss man"

reflection:
Institute= tree killer. Mad paper used.

Murals outside/inside of Richard Wright was a good look-- created such a positive learning experience.

Collaboration is no joke. So much more gets done when you leave the nonsense at the door and work towards a common purpose with more heads. Unfortunately, it's easier said than done. Selfishness is not a good look when it comes to collabin'

Philadelphia is a beautiful place. While some neighborhoods might not be the most pleasing to the eyes, the beauty lies in the strength of the communities. I can't get over the importance of family in Philadelphia.

Complaining is a waste of time. Keep it movin' or be out. Too much time is wasted complaining without solutions to "problems".

Thinking of the influence you can have as a teacher on the rest of a child's life is a powerful thing. Shout to Ms. Scelfo for helping me realize that.

final thoughts:

Educate not for personal satisfaction, as you will never truly be satisfied if you seek it. Educate to win young minds, to inspire them to seek more, to inspire brilliance.

peace.

Ed Prince