I have a student, Thomas, who I first taught in 7th grade. In 7th grade, he was immature and goofy, but a sweet kid. He was clearly very talented at math, although he wasn't very focused in school. His older brother was in 8th grade, and he was a major behavior issue (drugs, fights, etc.) and he eventually got expelled. Thomas' older brother later ( Read more... )

Sometimes, it's hard to process my days at work. Everything moves quickly, and every moment with a student can be a moment that changes the course of a life. This is nothing novel, but some days I am just hit with the overwhelming battles some of my kids face every day. The chaos at home. The danger in the community. The perceptions others have of ( Read more... )

Well, last night was officially one of the coolest nights of my life. It went thus ( Read more... )

I am currently ( Read more... )

"My son" got a pass to go to the bathroom. Instead, he stops in my office and says, "Mama, I mastered my objective! I got a 23/24." Yes, this boy who also gang bangs in his free time, stopped by to tell me he got a 96% on his assessment and called me mama. I have the best job in the world.

It's the day before winter break, and I had two conversations today that made me realize (once again) that my students are struggling with race everyday ( Read more... )

My life is an experience in dichotomies. The gaps. The difference between me and them. I see my kids, and I remember my childhood, and I ache for them. I see the rage, the sadness, the confusion, and I wonder what they would be like if they lived at 7 Harvard Lane. I wonder what they would be like if their parents sat them down at a desk every ( Read more... )

One of the students I taught in 7th grade, Kina, was reported missing by the Chicago Tribune last night...I hope she is ok. She is one of the students I was never able to really reach. I didn't change her life trajectory. She ended up in foster care because she was being raped by her half brother...and now she is missing. I gave her rides home ( Read more... )

I am done with my fourth year of teaching, first year of instructional leadee. Every year, I love my job more. My kids were great this year; some of the students I had in 7th grade, I had again as freshmen.

Writing prompt to work on comma splices, run-ons, and sentence fragments in freshmen composition: "Write a paragraph that describes the person that you are closest to. Who is it? What makes them so special to you? How do they impact your life? What have you learned from them that makes you a better person ( Read more... )