The origins of an annual recognition of American black history, initially dubbed as “Negro History Week,” can be traced to as far back as 1926, despite blacks’ presence in American life since colonial times. It would not be until the twentieth century that black Americans would acquire a respectable and noticeable residence in American historical…
read more »I believe we can solve the problems of urban education in our lifetime. Now, anyone that knows me knows that I’m, by no stretch of the imagination, a cheerleader or mascot for Teach for America, and no this isn’t a post aimed at tampering with the glorious pedestals upon which TFA sacredly and preciously rests:…
read more »Now I just need to find out what grade I’ll be teaching! First? Fourth? I need to know so I can find/make posters, and get a classroom library together, and start to plan.
read more »Last week I was priviledged to take my Mathletes I have been coaching all year to the City Charter Math Meet. My scholars have tried really hard to be successful in a 7th grade math league (they are 6th graders) in which they are competing with affluent students across the state of Delaware who are…
read more »By now I hope you have learned that I teach in Philadelphia. But for those of you late to the game; I teach in Philadelphia. And teaching in this longstanding and historical urban setting has awarded me many privileges and experiences that can be found no where else. I can run the art museum steps…
read more »I recently gave an assignment in class to write vignettes about transformative life experiences. When I give those assignments where I ask students to truly share parts of themselves that might be uncomfortable, I always make sure to join in so that they know this is a mutual trust experience. What follows is a spoken…
read more »From an email I sent to TFA alumni. If you have any interest in this, or know people who might, PLEASE circulate! “I don’t think it’s fair that other kids get to go talk about politics with people their own age and get involved with their community, but I can’t just because I don’t have…
read more »I just returned from a massive celebration in Washington D.C., where 11, 000 TFA corps members and alumni gathered to look back and look ahead at the way the education reform movement has (or hasn’t) progressed. And can I tell you something? I am feeling PUMPED. UP. There is something about being part of an…
read more »My trip to Mumbai was, to say the least, transformational. I’d like to share with you some insights because I think it’s really important to get it out. Some background info–I was one of 6 TFA CMs chosen to partake in a four-day professional development workshop in Mumbai, India. Developed by Teach for All, a…
read more »It has been awhile since I updated this blog. With a particularly bad day today, I felt it was necessary to remind myself of some of the progresses I have made these past few months so I can come back tomorrow with all my might… – The comeback CLASS Nothing good seemed to be said…
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