What inspires me to teach?

Thinking about this question couldn’t have come at a better time.  (CRCT week – yuck!)  There are quite a few things in this profession that give me inspiration. 

Establishing a meaningful community within my classroom is inspiring.  I love the fact that my students feel comfortable enough to share their thoughts and feelings with me and each other, even if those feelings are uncomfortable at times.  I have been so humbled by the sincerity of each of my kids this year.  I think that their open and honest take on some really “big” issues could be an inspiration to anyone!

Developing relationships with my colleagues (especially my Southside group!) is inspiring.  Not only have I learned so much from each of them about teaching, but I’ve learned so much about myself because of them.  They’ve helped believe in myself and have the confidence to do things that I never thought possible.  I wouldn’t have made it this far this year had it not been for them.  I am truly grateful for every one of them!  Thanks guys.

Last, but not least, I am inspired by greatness.  This program and all of the professors in it are the epitome of greatness.  So are the other members of this group.  The collective force that we will have altogether is nothing short of great.   

Teaching to Change the World – chapter 12

“It will probably take me a lifetime to develop into the teacher that I want to be.”  Jasper Hiep Dang Bui

     One of the big lessons I have learned in this program is that my journey towards becoming the best educator I can be is one that will never end.  I’ve known since I first became a teacher that I had to commit myself to being a lifelong learner.  However, this program has given me the vision and the drive to take that goal one step further.  I now realize that I HAVE to continually challenge myself as an educator through research and self-reflection.  There is always something to work on and learn more about, and there will always be another step to take.  Those steps may not be comfortable, but I’m starting to figure out that they are possible and necessary.   I feel as though my eyes are just now beginning to open and focus on the possibilities of what I am capable of accomplishing.  I am very grateful for the experience of having gone through this program and for the knowledge and insight I have gained by doing so.  My journey to becoming the most equitable educator I can possibly be is far from over, but I now look forward to the challenge. 

“Keep in mind always the present you are constructing.  It should be the future you want.” Alice Walker

Teaching to Change the World – chapter 6 – Assessment

When I think of the gross amount of testing that my students are subjected to, I cringe.  I know in my heart that the CRCT will not tell me if my students are smart enough or not.  (Even if their parents and my administrators think so) 

I was horrible at taking tests in school.  I barely scraped by on all of the tests I was required to take.  Those tests didn’t show what I knew.  I honestly think that there were very few times in school when I was given the opportunity to show my own intelligence.  As I read this chapter, I thought back to my 10th grade geometry class.  Anyone who knows me, knows that I was not a great math student.  Geometry was no exception.  However, I can think of two different times when I did really well on an assessment in Mr. Shirley’s 10th grade geometry class.  (Those 2 times ultimately saved my butt!)  Once, Mr. Shirley let us demonstrate a geometrical concept to the class using any media we chose.  I made a video and connected my love of gymnastics and cheerleading to angles and rotations.  It was so much fun!  Then there was another time that I had to teach a lesson to Mr. Shirley.  I was responsible to coming up with my own examples and explanations.  I was a little nervous, but I did really well.  I now know that Mr. Shirley was using authentic assessments and giving me ownership of my learning. 

Now that I’m a teacher, I truly feel the pressure of CRCT and the other tests that I am required to give my students.  Ultimately, that stupid test will decide whether a student will pass my class and move on to 4th grade.  There is a lot on the line and the pressure is most definitely on.  I was put in the hot seat last year and forced to justify why certain students didn’t do well enough on the CRCT.  I’m terrified of being there again.  But I know that I can’t let the pressure get to me and I can’t buy in to the naive belief that all of one’s intelligence is wrapped up in a score on a test.  There are other ways to show what you know.