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March 19, 2006
Seven blocks
Ask a teacher working in a tough school how they cope, and you'll get one of four answers:
A) Alcohol. Lots of alcohol.
B) Exercise. Yoga. Meditation. And lots of alcohol.
C) Denial and burnout. And lots of alcohol.
D) Get involved in something at the school (still lots of alcohol, of course).
Six months ago, my regional boss asked me to spearhead a new program. We pulled students from eight local schools including mine. The students were low-level yet recommended by their teachers. At my school, they were the students who took notes in their classes even as desks were being thrown. They still weren't passing the math exams, but not for lack of effort. We would take them to City College, treat them like college kids, and really focus on making them THINK. Two afternoons a week plus every Saturday, two teachers for every class, high school tutors, and seriously fun conceptual math= hopeful gains in learning.
The interest level was low. City College? Where's that? What's that? What would a college want with us?
City College is only seven blocks from my school, across the street from the local playing field, but it might have been in Europe as far as my kids were concerned. It was not a part of their world, and it certainly wasn't a part of their future. At my school, the junior high graduation is the big one, because the majority of kids drop out before their senior year of high school.
The first day of the classes was a huge hit, but only for ten students from my school. But the next day, I was flooded with requests from kids to join the program. It burgeoned into me herding a giant pile of kids up the hill seven blocks, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. It was draining, but I loved it. I took in about ten kids who were major behavior problems in my school.
You could see the changes as soon as the kids entered the college. I would catch kids arguing about whether they would go to Columbia or City College, or maybe somewhere warm. They not only improved in the program, they improved in their classes. Teachers were wanting to join the program, see the program. Kids were doing good critical thinking with math. I was able to remember why I did the whole teaching job.
The kids want to know if the program can continue. The kids want to know if they could take classes at City College. The kids want to keep learning. The kids break my heart every day.
We're working on extending the program. We're working on finding grants. I'm still at work because of these kids.
Posted by G at March 19, 2006 09:29 AM
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Comments
Thanks for a happy story, G. Things like this make me realize why you put up with so much to try to make a difference. You're a hero!
Posted by: Barry at March 19, 2006 12:55 PM
OOOOHHHH! I am glad I chose today to check your blog and read this entry. I could FEEL your pride and love from the beginning - selecting D as your answer. You are blessed. Keep it up.
JP
Posted by: JP at March 19, 2006 02:57 PM
You Go, Boyfriend!
Posted by: Mr. HK at March 19, 2006 05:20 PM
G, it's this kind of story that makes me want to give a big, awkward hug. For the kids!
Posted by: Luke at March 19, 2006 09:01 PM
I've always wondered what sustained you during the nightmare you call your current job. You've managed to find roses growing in that cess-pool of a school.
You're amazing and whatever school ends up with you on the faculty is blessed.
Posted by: Jim (The Canuck One) at March 20, 2006 05:53 AM
it's always good to hear stories like this.
Posted by: mark at March 20, 2006 11:07 AM
Great story. G. You are a definite star in the teaching system!!
Posted by: Greg at March 20, 2006 03:34 PM
G, where is Bill Gates when you need him. Great story. You are a courageous, caring, and extremely hot man. you go, bro.
Cheers, Joe.
Posted by: Joe at March 21, 2006 07:05 PM
This post practically made me cry. You're amazing.
Posted by: goblinbox at March 24, 2006 03:24 PM