It was a truly amazing experience to……… sleep in today!

All Corps Members earned this after getting up at 5:30 or 6 am for the past week to learn anything and everything– from the context of the schools we will be teaching at this summer to watching  the fancy fingers and videos of Lee Canter on the Behavioral Management Cycle. But, if there is anything that I have been able to take away from my own educational experiences, especially at the university level, it is that it is always important to be a critical and not passive participant. I know that I do not agree with the rigidness of teaching approach that is being conveyed to us as we sit through each sessions. But, I do truly respect each person who is teaching us and sharing their own experiences as teachers to explain why these theories and approaches work. I do believe that Teach for America is an amazing program and opportunity, and I am grateful to be a part of this movement. I have never felt so connected to so many people in such a small amount of time. Each of us is committed to social justice, and to know that the world is full of people like me is very, very reassuring.

I am very excited to finally, FINALLY teach on Monday to a class of 13 fifth graders. The majority of the students are attending summer school so that they can move on to the 6th grade in the fall. I want each and every one of them to succeed. I am excited to share with them my experiences at American University, since this is the theme of our classroom. Every class has a college and by chance I got my alma mater! I am going into my first day in a very positive place. I am expecting the best from these students because they not only deserve the best but because they can be the best. I know I do not need luck for the summer; I need determination, which can only come from myself.