Hey remember that time I blogged? For the other first year teachers out there, you know this is a luxury -- having enough time to write a blog post? Yeah, that's cute. Better yet -- having the energy? Girrrl Please.
Somehow though, I find myself writing tonight.
Writing because sometimes I feel like I can't breathe.
Writing because today, I can breathe.
Writing because everyday public school classrooms lose teachers for a myriad of reasons
(none of which exist in isolation).
My daily routine involves many controversial issues, most of which evvvvrybody and their mother has an opinion about. Here's some terms just to get us started:
Teach For America, public schools, better yet -- NEWARK PUBLIC SCHOOLS, Special Education.
In every circle in education, there's is politicking. Around every corner someone is judging a teacher or an administrator (or a corps member).
But wait... I found a few exceptions. Right in the heart of NPS I have this unspeakable privilege. I have a cohort of supporters-- my administrative team, fellow Barringer staff and finally...the world's best MTLD -- who really and truly have my back. Let me tell you that the only reason I am still breathing (let alone teaching) is because of these people. Unfortunately, not everyone has this support and as a result, not everyone lasts.
I have seen some TFA staff and NPS staff fail to support their teachers. This is both heart-breaking and disconcerting when you consider all that is asked of our teachers and (often) how little is given to support them. Tonight though, instead of pointing out the flaws that exist in this system as a whole, I would like to highlight the beauty that is my support system. I will call it...
Reasons I am Still Alive after my First Quarter in Newark Public Schools as a TFA Corps Member
1) MY PRINCIPAL... this shout out could be it's own blog post. Scratch that. Novel. Let's just go with the most recent thing for brevity's sake. After a confrontation with another staff member that had me incredibly upset, I took a few moments in an attempt to compose myself before re-entering the classroom. From (literally) the other end of the hallway my principal sees me. She asks if I am ok a few times as she walks toward me. She then proceeds to bring me into her office and asks me what happened. She then collects the other person, said person's supervisor and returns with them to resolve the issue immediately. For anyone reading this who does not work in a public school -- let me just tell you, this woman is insanely busy. She is constantly pulled in every direction but still she makes time to assure that both her students and teachers feel safe and respected in our school.
Oh yeah, and my principal is co-teaching one of my classes with me because I was struggling. So, yeah...
THAT IS UNHEARD OF!
2) My VP, Child Studies Team (the best learning consultant eva), Social Workers, administrative team and fellow Barringer teachers... again if I listed every example we'd be here all night, but just know that EVERY SINGLE DAY one (or all) of these people support me in some way. Sometimes it's a smile. Sometimes (ok let's be honest every day) it's a shoulder to cry on. Sometimes it's lesson plan suggestions or materials. Sometimes it's a vital piece of information about navigating NPS shenanigans. Sometimes, it's as simple as a sympathetic look.
3) My MTLD... whether it's lessons, some positive (and potentially overly idealistic) feedback, a quick convo to hash out a particularly good or bad day or that ever present smile. In my book, this lady is the best part of TFA. If it weren't for her I'd already be bitter and cynical... ok I'd be more bitter and cynical. One person can only do so much. But seriously, she is the real deal. Authentic as they come and I need that in my life.
4) Finally, these kids.
Oh dear lord these kids. They exhaust me. They confuse me. They surprise me in bad ways. But you know what else? They surprise me in goods ways too. They make me laugh. And dear lord to I love them.
So when it's all said and done, this work is about people.
It's not about politics or organizations. The only thing that will get a teacher through this craziness is solid and supportive relationships.
So be good to your people.
No comments:
Post a Comment