Welcome to my blog!
I am a mom, a wife and an educator. In the past, I led several social action trips (to Guatemala and New Orleans) for youth and adults. I told the participants these trips would be personally transformational. It’s funny how sometimes we’re so busy teaching we don’t realize the same things apply to us.
During the preparation for the trips and then on the trips, I watched the participants stretch and grow. They came out of their comfort zones and broadened their perspectives. So did I. I realized how much I missed being in the classroom and working with kids on a close, day-to-day basis. At the same time, I read Rafe Esquith’s book “Teach Like Your Hair’s on Fire” and I was INSPIRED. I decided to go back to teaching. I also decided to start this blog and I completely lifted the title of his book for it. If you haven’t read his book and you have anything to do with education, you should.
The thing is this. While I taught before (mostly Spanish), I never earned my certification. (She’s not ”bona fide,” Momma!) I had slowly worked toward a master’s degree in education. In December of 2007, I graduated and earned my first certificate in elementary ed. I was able to get a job teaching the upper elementary grades at a small, independent school. It was an excellent year, but I am a firm believer in public education. I wanted ”more” than this little school could offer. Now I teach in an inner-city, urban school, where we receive 85% free and reduced lunch. The kids have a lot of challenges. They are a tough crowd. They are also amazing. I love them.
In October of 2008, I got my second certificate (grades 7-12 Spanish). I feel like my fur has been rubbed off.
This is a chronicle of my adventures in teaching (and, ok, the rest of my life)…it’s here so my family members and friends can see what is happening with me and my family. It’s easier for me to post photos and videos here than anywhere else. The opinions here are mine. If you don’t agree with me, that’s fine, I’m open to discussion (am SO!). Just know that the views here do not represent the school I work for or anyone else. They belong solely to me. I’ve also changed all the names of the children and teachers I work with. So come on along and enjoy!
2 responses so far ↓
institutrice // May 26, 2009 at 3:32 am |
I didn’t know you taught Spanish, too!
!Que tengas un buen dia!
institutrice // May 30, 2009 at 4:48 pm |
Ok, so I took your advice and also bought There Are No Shortcuts. I’m only on page 7 and I am already loving it. His student-teaching story about getting kids to read by reading real books and not using the district reading anthology made me think of Erin Gruell and The Freedom Writers. What does it say about the education system today that the successful teachers are the ones “breaking rules” by thinking outside the box? Can’t wait to see what he has to say about that!