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Homeboy Industries / Homegirl Cafe

aswater — Thu, 09 May 2013 13:43:34 +0100

Still working on pre-work. Today I read about Homeboy Industries, a project by a Jesuit priest in LA that for the past 25 years has provided jobs and help for former gang members and prevented other youths from joining gangs. Consisting of a cafe, farmers markets, diner, grocery, bakery, silkscreen/embroidery, educational counseling, tattoo removal, legal services, etc etc etc, Homeboy Industries is one of the most inspring projects I've read about yet. I'd love to go see it and learn more in person one day! Check out Homeboy's Webpage and Homeboy's Blog of Stories

Project H in Bertie County

aswater — Wed, 01 May 2013 20:06:47 +0100

A bit southeast of where I'll be teaching is Bertie County. I had an interview there that was unfortunately cancelled, but in my pre-work I came across this fantastic TED video about Emily Pilloton's Project H, a high school design class there. Watch it and be inspired!

Pre-Institute Work - Racism

aswater — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:22:06 +0100

Before a TFA Corps Member becomes a Corps Member, he or she must go to Institute and (hopefully) learn to teach. Before going to Institute, the future CM must complete a packet of pre-work. This is 45 pages that each have 1-10 weblinks on them. Part I is supposed to teach us about "The Causes of Educational Inequity and the Obstacles of Poverty." The first reading is the first chapter from Why are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? by Beverly Tatum. I really like this reading. Tatum, the president of Spellman College and a Black woman, clearly explains the idea of privilege, but she does it without blaming the reader or making the reader feel bad about it. Even though obviously some readers should feel bad about their prejudices, I appreciate that Tatum makes the reader think about and acknowledge his or her privilege first, before talking about what we can do about it. Tatum even writes, "these uncomfortable feelings can hinder further discussion." One of the best lines in the chapter is, "I assume that we all have prejudices, not because we want them, but simply because we are so continually exposed to misinformation about others" (5). If you're interested and want to compare Tatum's approach with one that is a little less gentle, I read "White Privilege, Male Privilege" by Peggy McIntosh for a Women's Studies class (Tatum spends time talking about McIntosh too). She "unpacks" a list of little things that make her privileged by not being a minority where she lives. The examples are both eye-opening and thought-provoking, but it's still an easy read. Also it's nice that while Tatum focuses solely on racism, many of McIntosh's examples apply to racism, sexism, homophobia and even class prejudice. Here's a link!

Hello!

aswater — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:34:03 +0100

Welcome to my blog, As Water Reflects the Face. The title comes from Proverbs 27:19:

As water reflects the face, so one's life reflects the heart. (NIV)

I chose that title because every time someone asks me why I chose to do TFA, my answer (other than because they let me in!) is that I want to help people. I was lucky enough to have mostly good teachers, a few great ones, parents and family who supported me academically and financially and implanted in me the idea that "to whom much is given, much is required" (Luke 12:48). Right now I'm looking through my Pre-Institute Work and one section suggests that we write reflections on it, so I'm going to do that in future posts. I envision this blog as a way to share with my family and friends the (hopefully) great work I'll be doing in Eastern North Carolina (ENC), where I'll be teaching math. If it's great, hopefully it will serve as a guide for future TFA Corps Members and those considering this path. If it's not so good, at least it will be a place for me to vent. Realistically, I have a tough two years ahead of me, so venting will be necessary and will still be a needed result of this blog. So come along with me, as I journey into Eastern North Carolina and teach High School Math!

Interview Time

kaylaannkahn — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 00:40:01 +0100

3 down 1 to go... I had the priveldge of interviewing 3 times already with Nash-Rocky mount early college, bertie early college, and southern vance high. One school rescheduled 3 times, and the other once, but in the end it worked out. If you have had phone interviews you know what they are like, and honestly I do not feel like they get to know me as well.... BUT i still feel like I nailed my interview with Bertie (my favorite school!!!) Some questions that weren't in the "prep" packet that may be of use to practice!

Discuss the phase "failure is not an option" and how it would relate to your class?
What skills did you gain in science classes that will benefit you in a teaching position?
What traits do you want your students to gain and how will help help them to do so?
How will you build a community in your classroom?

One question EVERY PERSON ASKED: the famous "Tell me about yourself" One question NOONE ASKED that I expected to be asked: Why do you want to teach. I have gotten better with each interview and really hope I get placed this round, but you never know (fingers crossed for Bertie!!!) I just wish I knew how the placement process works. If a couple schools want me do I pick? Does TFA pick? So exciting!! .... Alright back to studing for this killer molecular genetics exam I have coming up on Thursday (And I thought orgo exams were hard....) -KK

March Updates!

kaylaannkahn — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 03:09:32 +0100

I've come to realize I am probably writting this blog for myself, but if there are any followers out there hello!!!! I am currently at work, but figured I would give an update of where I am at with TFA. Got the Praxiss (Praxi?) out of the way and passed the science one with flying colors, still waiting on the PLT... and of course that was the one I was nervous about. And I can now check off my resume and interveiw availibility for spring break!!! Ps. Kind of ticked about spring break I was going on a kayak/camping trip in the outer banks, but because of my interviews I had to cancel.... totally worth it though. So at this point I am waiting to get assigned interviews next week and I will be sure to make a post about who I interview with/how it goes/tips for other applicants! Getting closer and closer to summer institute and the big move. Dan and I couldn't be more excited :)

Praxis Fun

kaylaannkahn — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 09:01:30 +0100

Passed my first hurdle, the Praxis; or at least I hope so. I studied my entire winter break (really should'nt have studied that long) and was scheduled to take both tests on 1/28. Of courseeeeee we had our only snow delay this semester, might I add it wasn't even snowing that day only raining, on 1/28 so my general science Praxis was cancelled. I did have the PLT though, not really sure how that went but I should get those results in a week or so! My scienge praxis was rescheduled for this AM and I NAILED IT! 180! All I needed was a 150 or something. So awesome to be one step closer. One month from now I will be prepping for interveiws! Updates to come :)

Motivation

kaylaannkahn — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 16:27:18 +0100

I am at the point where I am starting to freak out a little about moving to an entire new state in a few months and be responsible for teaching students all the wonders and joys of science. Buttttt, I did watch freedom writers the other day and was super motivated. I hope that I can transform a classroom in a similar way. I wish I could start planning material or know more about my position... but I am left clueless, I dont know my school, I dont know my grade, and I dont know my subject. In the mean time I will continue working my butt off to nail these Praxis exams. T minus 18 days. Lets go.

Wish I knew more

kaylaannkahn — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 04:36:49 +0100

I am in the midst of finishing my second to last semester at UMD, and getting ready to begin my Praxis studying. I will be taking both tests on 1/28... still dont know what to expect. Oh and on that note I have no idea about what to expect next year! I wish I knew what school I was going to be working at... In due time

Here goes nothing!

kaylaannkahn — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 01:26:13 +0100

Okay so I will begin this with a breif introduction to my self. My names Kayla Kahn, born and raised in Carroll County MD, known for its lovely corn feilds and demolition derbys. I had a rough childhood but ended up getting the grades I needed to being the first in my family to go to a 4-year college. O am about to graduate from UMD college park with a degree in biological sciences and a minor in leadership studies. At this point I want to become a doctor, but after accepted a position with teach for america (!!!! AHHHH!!!!) I might change my mind. As far as hobbies go I am a HUGEEEE outdoors junky. I love hiking, rafting, running, dog walking, fishing, biking, you name it! I am am really into eating healthy (trying the paleo eating thang currently) and exercising, and am attempting to do a Tough Mudder in the spring. Two weeks ago I went crazy when I found out that I got into the corps and and would be teaching science in eastern north carolina! It still blows my mind but I am so ready for the challenge. It's gonna be tough, I know this. The best I can do is give it all I got and use my enthusiam and energy to teach the heck out of these kids. I aptly called this blog "And I thought orgo was hard..." to recognize that TFA is going to be a challenge for me much similar to Orgo being the bane of every pre-med college students exsistance. Im out, Kay