Recording My Adventures in the Classroom

I was lucky enough to have my parents come to visit me this weekend. After being apart almost 2 months after the start of my new life as a teacher they were full of questions for me about my classroom, my kids and my new life in a new city. Work is usually the last thing I want to talk about on a weekend, but I found myself bursting at the seams to tell them about my students... all 32 of them: what they wanted to be when they grow up, the funny things they've done, and how I've grown to adore each of them.

After 2 months in the classroom, things have begun to settle down (remember... this is a relative term...) and I am finally ready to share.

My adventure started in June when I joined Teach for America. I was placed in Phoenix, Arizona and hired soon after as a second grade teacher in a district in Northern Phoenix. The temperature shock was quickly followed by the reality of my post. My kids were behind far behind academically and even socially. No internet research, summer training or classroom visit would every prepare me for the realities of my own classroom.

"Meet The Teacher Night" was the first time I met my most difficult student who I will call "Iteachfor." This student came in with his Aunt and his 3 cousins... he was bright-eyed and quick to find his new desk and explore the supplies I put on top of it. His Aunt pulled me aside and introduced herself... after a deep breath she explained that she had just become Iteachfor's legal guardian. His dad and mom are both in jail and he had moved in with her family 2 short weeks before. After this brief synopsis of the situation she began to cry "Just... just please give him a chance" she pleaded. I was shocked "Of course I will..." I said. "Just don't give up on him. Please... please, don't give up on him" she said again. I was still in shock... of course I wouldn't give up on him, I thought. I came home to tell my roommate Kristen all the details. "This kid is going to be my 'I teach for' story... the one I'm doing this all for, he's going to make so much growth this year and I will NOT give up on him."

The day after I met Iteachfor and his Aunt I was face-to-face with my new student's behavioral, emotional and academic realities. This 7 year old child was SCREAMING in my newly-decorated classroom... interrupting my classroom bonding activities... totally destroying my FIRST, first day of school as I knew it. Iteachfor was out of his seat, accusing other students of stealing from him or picking on him... he was quickly stealing the show. That day I came home exhausted. I sat down on our new IKEA red couch... debriefed with Kristen and was quick to explain that Iteachfor for was no longer my "I teach for."

Needless to say the last 2 months have opened my eyes into the trials of this young child's life. He was neglected by his troubled parents, only to be adopted by his put-together Aunt (she as a God-sent and an amazing advocate for this child!) after they were both sentenced to long-term prison sentences. Iteachfor craves attention, praise and academic challenges. He has two clear paths he could take in his life, and I am determined to guide him towards the "out of trouble and college-bound" path.

Friday, while Iteachfor was serving his routine recess time (for his continued, but improving behavioral issues) I sat him down and looked him in the eyes. "You know that even though we've had our ups and downs... you know I'm not going to give up on you, right?""I know" he said confidently. We sealed the promise with a pinky swear.

No turning back now.