(The author of this guest post, a teacher at a New York City public high school, wishes to remain anonymous. Names and other identifying details have been changed.) “I can’t wait to come back to this school and throw money at everyone,” said Derek, an 11th grade boy in one of my classes. “Hit all… Continue reading So We Beat On, Boats Against the Current: A Teacher’s Take On Schools That Fail Students
If I were asked what in my experience was the number one obstacle to teaching an effective lesson in the classroom, the answer would undoubtedly have been an unruly or disruptive student. A young girl or boy who was lacking discipline or a child who wanted to be the constant center of attention could cause… Continue reading No Smartphones Allowed!
This school year started off on a not-so-good note for me. My dad’s favorite uncle died and my siblings and I had to accompany our father to Jamaica, West Indies for the funeral. This caused me to miss the first three days of back-to-school. You see, just as we adults have troubling things going on… Continue reading Are Our Social-Emotional Needs Being Met? No! NY Students Are Hurting And So Are Their Teachers.
I love teaching. I’ve wanted to be a teacher since my junior year of high school. Till this day, my teachers, outside of my family and friends, have had the biggest influence on my life and my pursuit of self-actualization. I still keep in touch with many of my teachers and professors — that’s how… Continue reading After Eight Years of Teaching, I Wonder How Long I Can Keep Going
