Chapter 7

Creative Connector

“Eventually, each of these young men went on to graduate from prestigious colleges and acquire lucrative positions, which leads me to wonder what would have happened to them without the advantage of parents who could resist the temptations of school personnel.” (119)

This quote which is a part of a longer story about two black students in an all white district who repeatedly were put into remedial classes even though they were fully capable of the work within their class as well as advanced classes. It makes me think about the notions we as teachers gather from students. I know that often for students in the Fairport area teachers associate “The Pines” with low-level thinking and students with diverse needs. It as a negative association put onto the students and places their backs to the wall even if they are very smart children.

“Teaching is a calling, not just a job.”

To teach isn’t to walk in before the first morning bell and leave before the dismissal bell. Teaching is a way of life – you enter the doors with your mind reeling about the day and leave inspired ready for the next. Teachers consistently work to make themselves better, their schools better and most importantly their students better. This takes a special type of person, and that’s why I agree that teaching is a calling.

Essence Extractor:

"We as transformationist teachers, are 'the primary stewards of democracy.... This is our vision; this is our unfinished work."