August 7, 2006

The Power of Expectations
   If a student can’t read fluently by the end of 3^rd grade, then they will likely never read fluently in their lives. In response to that moving truth, I have created a big goal for my class of 3^rd graders in Room 225. I expect every student to increase his or her reading level by 2 grade levels by the end of the school year. Also, I have created a big goal that they will all pass the TAKS test (the Texas standardized test at the end of the year) with a class average of 80%. These goals are ambitious, but they are feasible because I have learned the power of expectations. Students, no matter their background, will rise to the occasion and achieve whatever standards are set for them, so why not set them high? So many students go through their school careers never believing they can achieve, therefore they don’t ever succeed. I hope my students gain the confidence and desire to achieve. I hope I can maintain my belief in them and myself, even at our lowest points in the school year.

   I am posting my class big goals in the classroom in a kid-friendly way and our progress will be tracked throughout the school year. The students will be aware of their progress in order to help them understand how far they have gotten and what more they need to do in order to reach the goal.  In preparation for their arrival on the 14^th, I am also posting the class BIG goals, class rules, consequences, rewards, management systems and inspirational quotes. As a lover of color and visuals, I plan on covering my walls with creative posters throughout the year.

Focused on success
   I am anxious and nervous about my hopes and expectations for these students considering the school received a state rating of “unacceptable” after last year’s reports came out. Regardless, I am determined and rely on my passion, enthusiasm and drive in order to keep myself, and the students, focused on our success. I am ready to finally put all of my great training and tools to use, but I am also aware that one never knows what lies ahead. I can plan all I want, but there are plenty of surprises, fun and not so fun, lying ahead. I look forward to living and sharing all of these moments soon enough.

Relying on SMU
   For the school year, I rely on my years at SMU by tapping into my marketing and design strengths to “sell our goals and lessons.” I learned how to better communicate to audiences through advertising, and I plan on utilizing these skills to educate my students through engaging presentations of material. Using my dance background and passion for movement, I will use plenty of kinesthetic activities to keep to students engaged, as well as vary my teaching styles to accommodate various learning styles. I attended SMU on scholarships and financial aid, so I plan on informing the students that anyone can go to college, regardless of their socioeconomic background.

August 2, 2006: Q & A

Why did you apply for a position with Teach for America?
   Previous to joining the Teach for America corps, I taught in Mali, West Africa. While teaching in Mali, I was saddened by the quality of education and felt the urge to do something more. Upon my return to America as a citizen of a nation that prides itself on democracy and equality, I was motivated to acknowledge the present civil rights movement˜to strive for educational equality.

What was the application process like?
   The application process was long, detailed and precise. The staff of Teach for America is extremely organized and provides an ample amount of information and support throughout the process. I started out by completing the online application that included basic information and essays. Then, I was selected out of a large pool of applicants to attend a local interview. The interview was a daylong and included; presenting a 5-minute lesson plan, completing critical thinking activities and writing samples and partaking in an individual interview. Although I was anxious and worried about the interview day, I felt relieved and relaxed when I met the Teach for America staff present at the interview. After interview day, I received my acceptance to the program and I was ecstatic to find that I was placed in my first location choice˜Houston (most accepted corps members get their highly preferred preference for location). Within a few days, I was mailed assignments and paperwork that I needed to complete prior to the 5-week summer institute.

What do you hope to get out of this experience?
   I hope that my students make significant academic achievements and accomplish great things regardless of their background because they CAN.

Where is your training and where will you be teaching?
   My training was in Houston, Texas at the University of Houston and at Browning Elementary, where I taught 4th grade bilingual summer school. I will be teaching the 3rd grade (my first preference) this year at MacArthur Elementary in Houston, Texas.