well, well..Where should I start?
So, I think I should first start with my daily routine to give you an idea of my day:
5:30 am- wake up delirious, ready to take on the day
6:20- Meet my cohort fellow, who is in the same teaching class, to go over lesson plan
8:00- Arrive at Akins High school and talk to our Corporate teacher and most days have a "Come to Jesus meeting" with her about class management.
9-1:00- Teach life biology to high schools students
1-4:40: Travel back to institute and join up with the science cohort for skills and training
5-8: Lesson planning, finish all of the requirements and assignments giving to our cohort, review for tomorrow's teaching, try to be social and participate in Texas Teaching Fellows event for participation credit.
8-11 pm: Study for my TEXES 8-12 Test.
Set that alarm and start again.
Life has become hectic,intense,draining,exciting, and challenging. I have realized teaching has become extremely political and rigorous within the district. Teachers are not held accountable for their actions which causes achievement gaps. The focus is directed to the child passing their grade rather than the child becoming accountable for their actions and achievement.
Children have developed strategies to hide themselves from the spotlight of teachers. And because of this, the kids slide by unnoticed, damaged, and have title themselves as "just a number" within the class.
...I perouse the class and I know who is hiding, but why? These young adults are screaming to me through their heads drooped down with their body forming a shell of protection..Oh, I see them. My eyes reaching theirs and I recognize a since of desperation and ambiguity. Oh, how it's familiar.
I slowly perch down to a students desk wanting to tell them infinite words of love and comfort..But, I can't for I am only a stranger to them, a student teacher trying to untie the ropes as they knot it.
A student today looked at me and laughed..for he claimed "that I know nothing about science or how to teach" I only smiled and walked away and whispered...love, unconditional love. The children were laughing in the background as I breathed in hopes that my flesh and blood will not overtake me with callousness.
Oh God, let these children see love this through their fear, and un waving vulnerability..Oh my god, please, let them see love.
in conclusion, I'm being slapped in the face with reality everyday, eating great Chinese food, loving science, and just trying to breathe.
I love you all and thank for being my cheerleaders, It means the world to me.
Until next time,
AJC
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing you are to these students. I can tell by what you write. The hardest and most important thing I need to remember as a teacher is that I am there to serve them, just as One who came not to be served, but to serve. I hear that in your words.
We miss you! And are grateful for your work with these young ones.
Ross
Word up, Mamma! Receive Love, and then give it. That's the only way! Reclaim the Alamo.
ReplyDelete-Patrick
chill bumps. you are strong in Him, sista!
ReplyDeleteIt's great to hear from you Ashley! You're doing wonderful work.
ReplyDeleteIn Him (who is Love), Anna