As I reflect on today's session, lots of thoughts and feelings enter my mind. I start thinking of rubrics...and exploration stations...and teaching strategies...course maps...learning rituals...essential questions. The list could go on for days! Thinking of all of these things leads to feelings - feelings of anxiety, excitement, and even a little fatigue (already!). Having worked all summer and now taking this course, I am truly looking forward to having next week off to rejuvenate myself for the upcoming school year.
Even with this jumble of thoughts and feelings, one thing from today stands out more than any other and that is the Fight Song. Kellie mentioned at the end of class that while teaching at Oliver, people would ask, "Do you wear a bulletproof vest?" Her response was simple - "No, I LOVE teaching there!". I can truly relate to this sentiment. Teaching at Faison is NO easy task. Our scholars can be challenging, they have many gaps that need filled, and each day can lead to mental/physical exhaustion. With all that said, I absolutely love teaching at Faison!
Faison may not be the ideal choice for some teachers, but for those of us who continue to teach there year after year, we truly #Fight for Faison! We fight to help our scholars identify goals in school--and in life. We fight to fill gaps our scholars may have. We fight to give our scholars a space in which they truly feel safe. We fight to remove the negative stigma attached to Homewood and Faison. We fight to provide our scholars with opportunities they may not have had the chance to experience. We fight systems that seem to want to keep our scholars down.We fight to show our scholars that growing up African American in this country/city doesn't have to break their spirit. We fight to instill a sense of HOPE in our scholars. As the saying goes..."The struggle is real!" But I/we will continue to #Fight for Faison. Faison is my fight.
You go girl! I'm glad that through all you've encountered over the last two days, you're students are still the most important.
ReplyDeleteRemember that song when things get tough...as you know they will. Keep it in your heart and I hope it inspires you. Thanks for sharing.
I love this! I've always stood up for my schools, especially ones that struggle. Coming from Langley, and Manchester before that, I've never in my life regretted or talked down about being there. Those kids were still my babies no matter what they're personal struggles were which lead to their behavior in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteYour passion for teaching is so evident and admirable! This class, and posts like yours inspire me to be my best for the students, even when the light at the end of the tunnel looks far, far away:)
ReplyDeleteI too get the response when I say I teach at Arsenal. That "ohhh!" I have the same response, "I love teaching there! I have been in the same neighborhood my whole PPS career!" I am there to fight for my kids too! So you fight for Fasion and I will continue to fight for my babies and together we will bring hope, opportunities, and a love of learning!
ReplyDeleteYou are an inspiration for present and future teachers!!!
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ReplyDeleteI love your pride for your school!
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