The movie, Freedom Writers, has a main character who resembles many of us new teachers coming out of this new program. We are idealistic, creative, and bold. We also do not have the experience, nor seniority, as other teachers. This teacher overcomes her struggles with her students in their inner-city high school by creating a safe environment in her classroom. They feel that their learning is authentic, and they admire her honesty. The teacher respects her students, and gives them voice by handing them blank notebooks to fill with their own story.
One day soon, I hope I will have my own classroom where I can begin my journey of growth and learning with my students. I want to get to know them, to care about them, to reflect back to them what amazing potential each of them have. Meanwhile, I will balance rest with an anew focus. I am excited, rather than anxious, to move forward. Regardless when I get those notices from the school districts, I will continue to work on becoming better myself, professionally and personally.
Good teachers can spark change by inspiring their students who are the agents of change. But change starts with the individual, and that means I will continue to live by the values and standards I have: respect, care, service to the community. When I finally meet my students they will see that what we learn together can be meaningful because it inspires better versions of ourselves.
