...has yet to be created, as far as I know. Actually, I'm not sure what my dream job is so perhaps it already exists, and I just don't know it.
I've just spent two hours perusing grad school websites, reading about graduate education programs, and I am even more confused than usual.
To start, I love my job right now! I love being in the classroom, surrounded by 20 wonderful kindergarteners, and learning with them. I love to learn, and I love to excite them about learning--I just don't know how to explain how great it is to be in the classroom.
In many ways, I could see myself being a kindergarten teacher for the next 40 years...
...but I also wonder if I'm supposed to be in the classroom for 40 years. Here are two parts of my future I feel fairly certain about:
1. Whatever I do needs to involve children, especially children between the ages of 3 and 6.
2. Whatever I do needs to involve education and learning.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I'm most myself around 5 year-olds. I'm not sure why, but I think there's something so amazing about hanging out with people who are genuine, sincere, and honest. 5-year olds are all these things. They don't say things just to sound smart or to make a point; they operate so differently than people of any other age, and it's so refreshing to spend time with them. I love that I can pull a student aside and simply say: "What's going on today?" ...and the answer I get is honest. When some people get stressed, they go for a run; others need a cigarette--some may need a hug...me, I need a box of crayons, and let me color with a kid, and I'll be good to go.
That said, if you know me you know I love working with kids, and you should also know that I LOVE learning. Love it. I love to read, I love to write, I love to do new things (even if sometimes I don't seem like I do). I love to learn about all kinds of things. Don't tell my brother, but yes, I like learning about opera, too. I'll never be the kind of person who will be on Jeopardy and remember all kinds of random trivia. In fact, I am terrible at remembering anything and everything I learned in history classes, but if you give me a great non-fiction work on something from history, I will dive into it. Put me in a museum, and I'll spend way too much time there--a museum and a library beat a classroom and a boring textbook any day. I sometimes mistake my love of learning for a love of school. The truth is, I do love school, but not always. I loved the schools I went to and the teachers and professors I had.
I once had a professor tell me that I was a different type of student...I forget her exact words, but she said something along the lines of: "If you were put in an empty room and someone turned the lights off and left you there, you'd still find a way to learn. You're a learner at heart." ...and I've never heard anyone say something like that before. Up until a couple years ago, I think I thought that everyone felt the way I did, that learning and school are great. I've learned that's not necessarily true, but I also think that a love of learning can be taught--it's great teachers and great educators who inspire that in you, and so I know I want to stay in the education world somehow.
And now, in no particular order, here are the other things I really want to be part of my career at some point:
1. Working with children who are sick and their families. Two words: St. Jude. I don't know if this is a response to my being sick or what, but I really think that in many ways while it would break my heart to be around children who have life-threatening illnesses, the children and their families would easily repair that breaking. I feel like I would be the luckiest person to get to know all those amazing children and their families if I worked at a hospital like St. Jude or Children's Memorial.
2. Working with and perhaps advising new teachers. I am still very much so a new teacher, and so it's not that I feel I have all this wisdom to pass off to anyone. Rather, what I discovered in talking with the new corps members this year (and as I felt in the past with new members in Tri Delt) is that I just love listening to people who are excited embark on something new! I love to keep in touch with people, as terrible as I may be at responding to emails and phone calls, and really, I could sit and listen to or read about my friends' lives all day long. I love to hear what's going on with a friend or read about the amazing things they're doing.
3. Fun pretty organization. I love labels and organization. I love when things match, when things are neat and orderly. I feel as though my love of things being pretty and neat almost ventures into Monica Geller-ness...except I don't cross-reference things yet so I think I'm okay. On the last day of school, I made Kristin pretend to be as excited as I was about my newly organized binders in my cabinets. During Induction, I re-did our meeting room with posters, and I made people go see it--I really just love when things look neat and organized.
4. Being outside! Believe it or not, despite my fear of bugs and my tendency not to like the weather when it ventures beyond my 60-75 degree comfort zone (as well as my likelihood to burn in any weather), I really do love being outside. I certainly don't want to rough it by living outdoors for the rest of my life and surviving on food I caught and made myself. That does not sound fun to me at all. However, if I could teach outside everyday I would. I love to splash in puddles and wear my rainboots. If I didn't get sick so often, I'd spin around in the rain more often. There's something very magical and fun about being outside and about nature.
...and there ends my list for today. With all those thoughts in my head, I figured why not type this all up--there's definitely more to come and much more to add, but I think I'll leave it at that for tonight. I woke up very late today (4 P.M. late...) after sleeping all yesterday with a migraine, but with all the lights off in my apartment and the darkness outside I'm cautiously optimistic that I can fall asleep before the sun rises. Happy 36 minutes after the 4th of July.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
"Maybe being grateful means recognizing what you have for what it is. Appreciating small victories. Admiring the struggle it takes simply to be human. Maybe we're thankful for the familiar things we know. And maybe we're thankful for the things we'll never know. At the end of the day, the fact that we have the courage to still be standing is reason enough to celebrate."
Thursday, July 1, 2010
"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and it may be necessary from time to time to give a stupid or misinformed beholder a black eye.” -Miss Piggy
American Apparel=no sweat shops, which is great...but this article highlights hiring processes and workplace policies that are not so great...
"The store in which I work is located in a very racially and class segregated city, and all the people who work in the back are people of color and everyone who works on the floor is a thin white person.
Myself and another black woman who works in the back recently had a conversation regarding this, that it's not so much that there is a dress code telling us what to wear and not show tattoos (which is fairly standard, unfortunately, as someone with multiple tats and plugs), but that the way in which it is written, interspersed with pictures of thin white models, is condescending and sets forth a very specific message about who they want to work in their stores and, since it tells us we are supposed to "be what our customers aspire to", who they want to shop there. My co-worker told me about this moment with our manager when she was looking at the internal AA website at photos of employees at other stores saying how beautiful these girls were... when my coworker looked at the pictures, all she saw were multiple photographs of very thin and very tall white women who weren't necessarily or particularly more "gorgeous" for any reason."
Read more at Gawker...
"The store in which I work is located in a very racially and class segregated city, and all the people who work in the back are people of color and everyone who works on the floor is a thin white person.
Myself and another black woman who works in the back recently had a conversation regarding this, that it's not so much that there is a dress code telling us what to wear and not show tattoos (which is fairly standard, unfortunately, as someone with multiple tats and plugs), but that the way in which it is written, interspersed with pictures of thin white models, is condescending and sets forth a very specific message about who they want to work in their stores and, since it tells us we are supposed to "be what our customers aspire to", who they want to shop there. My co-worker told me about this moment with our manager when she was looking at the internal AA website at photos of employees at other stores saying how beautiful these girls were... when my coworker looked at the pictures, all she saw were multiple photographs of very thin and very tall white women who weren't necessarily or particularly more "gorgeous" for any reason."
Read more at Gawker...
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
When I'm worried, and I can't sleep...I count my blessings instead of sheep...
Well, I was definitely on a TFA-high yesterday. :) I'd attribute it to the awesomeness of the 17 new corps members who were in my CVC group. Seriously, they made me excited to go back to teach, and they inspired me. They're amazing, and it's just a blessing to have met them.
So, for today's post I'll write on a non-TFA note...
If your 3-yr-old is carrying the cat towards the kitchen muttering "kitty needs a bath," it’s really best to see what she’s planning. Especially if you have a dishwasher.
I discovered learnfrommyfail.com today.
I also discovered that don't know what to do with all my free time now. Three years ago when I had this much free time:
1. I also had an IV in my arm,
2. I had no hair, and
3. It was 20 degrees in the middle of winter in Chicago.
I'm very happy that now:
1. Said picc-line is long gone (and the scar has nearly faded),
2. I have hair (despite the fact that it's darker...and by darker, I mean really I'm being petty here), and
3. It's summer and warm in Cali.
Life is good. I don't know that I'm worried so much as not sure what I want to do with my life...which is very crazy. I basically am trying to figure out what job I can create or career I can pursue that combines all the things I love--a modest summer goal: to figure out my future. The great thing is that counting my blessings is good place to start--it just takes a while since there are quite a few of them. They also are a bit more fun to count than sheep...
So, for today's post I'll write on a non-TFA note...
If your 3-yr-old is carrying the cat towards the kitchen muttering "kitty needs a bath," it’s really best to see what she’s planning. Especially if you have a dishwasher.
I discovered learnfrommyfail.com today.
I also discovered that don't know what to do with all my free time now. Three years ago when I had this much free time:
1. I also had an IV in my arm,
2. I had no hair, and
3. It was 20 degrees in the middle of winter in Chicago.
I'm very happy that now:
1. Said picc-line is long gone (and the scar has nearly faded),
2. I have hair (despite the fact that it's darker...and by darker, I mean really I'm being petty here), and
3. It's summer and warm in Cali.
Life is good. I don't know that I'm worried so much as not sure what I want to do with my life...which is very crazy. I basically am trying to figure out what job I can create or career I can pursue that combines all the things I love--a modest summer goal: to figure out my future. The great thing is that counting my blessings is good place to start--it just takes a while since there are quite a few of them. They also are a bit more fun to count than sheep...
Monday, June 28, 2010
Teach For America Bay Area is...
This past week I was lucky enough to welcome 200+ amazing people into the 2010 Bay Area Corps. This year, induction coordinators had a job beyond working behind the scenes to make the welcome run smoothly and to create social events. Yes, we ICs had another acronym for which we were responsible: CVCs.
For those of you who teach lower elementary, don't worry, we didn't have to teach the new CMs all about consonant-vowel-consonant words. (Wouldn't that be exciting?) Rather, our job was to lead Core Value Communities along with a staff member. Each CVC was made up of about 20 CMs, 2 ICs, and 1 staff member. *By the way, if you're already alarmed by all these abbreviations, don't worry, I'll put a quick dictionary at the end of this post.
As I would hope most companies do, Teach For America has a mission (to build the movement to eliminate educational inequity by enlisting our nation's most promising future leaders in the effort) and perhaps what you could call a slogan/catch-phrase (One day, all children in this nation will have the opportunity to attain an excellent education). TFA also recruits and selects corps members by looking for evidence of the traits of strong leaders. (See the website for more details on that.)
However, the one thing that is really pretty amazing to me is that not only does TFA have cores values, the core values are the driving force of what we do and reflect how TFA wants individuals and the organization as a whole to operate. The values don't exist just so we can say we have them. Rather, these values exist so that the achievement gap can be closed...and quickly. These values enable us to operate with a sense of urgency that seems only fitting given the circumstances.
The CVCs this past week had several purposes, and the one I'm focusing on here is simply going through and dissecting the core values to figure out exactly what they mean and what they look (and don't look) like.
So, here they are, with their respective abbreviations:
* Relentless pursuit of results (RPR): We assume personal responsibility for achieving ambitious, measurable results in pursuit of our vision. We persevere in the face of challenges, seek resources to ensure the best outcomes, and work toward our goals with a sense of purpose and urgency.
* Sense of possibility (SoPo): We approach our work with optimism, think boldly, and greet new ideas openly.
* Disciplined thought (DT): We think critically and strategically in search of the best answers and approaches, reflect on past experiences and data to draw lessons for the future, and make choices that are deeply rooted in our mission.
* Respect and humility (R&H): We value all who are engaged in this challenging work. We keep in mind the limitations of our own experiences and actively seek out diverse perspectives.
* Integrity: We ensure alignment between our actions and our beliefs, engage in honest self-scrutiny, and do what is right for the broader good.
I have to admit, that even two weeks ago, I am not sure I fully understood the purpose and reason for the core values. In fact, I still do not fully understand them all--they're not easy to live up to, but they are definitely worth striving for as are most great things in life. :) I also really appreciate the fact that these are national values--I am grateful to be part of an organization that espouses these values nationwide, in every corps and in every location.
I also have to stop to acknowledge the fact that I may sound like I've been "indoctrinated" by TFA. Some of you might laugh upon reading this, knowing exactly what I mean; others might be super confused. There's a little-known phenomenon I call "TFAing" someone. The following is an example of how I could TFA someone who I've just seen teach:
Oh my goodness, so-and-so, you showed such great SoPo in the classroom today, and your students are really invested in the big goal. I see your RPR in your data results, and it's clear your students are well on their way to significant gains.
While all of that is truly complimentary, and it should be flattering to hear someone speak so highly of what you are doing in the classroom, there are quite a few buzz words in there that might make the conversation seem a wee bit rehearsed. I TRULY BELIEVE THAT EVERY TEACH FOR AMERICA CORPS MEMBER AND STAFF MEMBER MEANS WHAT HE OR SHE SAYS, REGARDLESS OF THE VOCABULARY BEING USED. So, if someone were to say to me what I wrote above, I would appreciate it greatly, but I would also call them out on the overuse of TFA lingo. :) I mention this, because as I feel I've expressed in this post, I am proud to be a part of TFA, and this past week was so inspiring. As a result though, I feel those buzz words creeping into my vocabulary, and while they are by no means poor word choices, the more often you hear them the less value and significance they hold when someone compliments you on your DT. So, don't worry, my vocabulary is certainly in tact, and I don't think I'll be TFAing anyone anytime soon. However, if I do, call me out on it. :) More to come soon.
By the way, my response was:
Teach For America Bay Area is being surrounded by inspiring students, amazing families, and wonderful colleagues and friends.
----------
Your TFA dictionary:
TFA=Teach For America
CM=Corps Member
IC=Induction Coordinator
CVC=Core Value Community
RPR=Relentless Pursuit of Results
SoPo=Sense of Possibility
DT=Disciplined Thought
R&H=Respect and Humility
...here are some that were not included in this post but just for good measure (FYI, I realize the more I communicate with staff how great all these abbreviations are since they reduce how much I have to type! Some of these are not "exclusive" to TFA ;) ):
PD=Program Director
ED=Executive Director
sig. gains=significant gains
OAL=Operating as Leaders or Operating as Learners
SWBAT=Students will be able to...
TAL=Teaching as leadership
DCA=Diversity, Community, and Achievement
ELL=English Language Learners
STAR/CST=California Standardized Testing
CELDT=California English Language Development Test
SPED=Special Education
ELD=English Language Development
ELA=English Language Arts
ECE=early childhood education
Fun ones from Institute:
CMA=Corps member advisor
SOM=School Operations Manager
SRT=School Resource Teacher
LS=literacy specialist
CS=curriculum specialist
LPC=lesson planning clinic
...and I am sure there are many I'm forgetting. Let's just say teachers speak a whole other language.
*All pictures from teachforamerica.org
For those of you who teach lower elementary, don't worry, we didn't have to teach the new CMs all about consonant-vowel-consonant words. (Wouldn't that be exciting?) Rather, our job was to lead Core Value Communities along with a staff member. Each CVC was made up of about 20 CMs, 2 ICs, and 1 staff member. *By the way, if you're already alarmed by all these abbreviations, don't worry, I'll put a quick dictionary at the end of this post.
As I would hope most companies do, Teach For America has a mission (to build the movement to eliminate educational inequity by enlisting our nation's most promising future leaders in the effort) and perhaps what you could call a slogan/catch-phrase (One day, all children in this nation will have the opportunity to attain an excellent education). TFA also recruits and selects corps members by looking for evidence of the traits of strong leaders. (See the website for more details on that.)
However, the one thing that is really pretty amazing to me is that not only does TFA have cores values, the core values are the driving force of what we do and reflect how TFA wants individuals and the organization as a whole to operate. The values don't exist just so we can say we have them. Rather, these values exist so that the achievement gap can be closed...and quickly. These values enable us to operate with a sense of urgency that seems only fitting given the circumstances.
The CVCs this past week had several purposes, and the one I'm focusing on here is simply going through and dissecting the core values to figure out exactly what they mean and what they look (and don't look) like.
So, here they are, with their respective abbreviations:
* Relentless pursuit of results (RPR): We assume personal responsibility for achieving ambitious, measurable results in pursuit of our vision. We persevere in the face of challenges, seek resources to ensure the best outcomes, and work toward our goals with a sense of purpose and urgency.
* Sense of possibility (SoPo): We approach our work with optimism, think boldly, and greet new ideas openly.
* Disciplined thought (DT): We think critically and strategically in search of the best answers and approaches, reflect on past experiences and data to draw lessons for the future, and make choices that are deeply rooted in our mission.
* Respect and humility (R&H): We value all who are engaged in this challenging work. We keep in mind the limitations of our own experiences and actively seek out diverse perspectives.
* Integrity: We ensure alignment between our actions and our beliefs, engage in honest self-scrutiny, and do what is right for the broader good.
I have to admit, that even two weeks ago, I am not sure I fully understood the purpose and reason for the core values. In fact, I still do not fully understand them all--they're not easy to live up to, but they are definitely worth striving for as are most great things in life. :) I also really appreciate the fact that these are national values--I am grateful to be part of an organization that espouses these values nationwide, in every corps and in every location.
I also have to stop to acknowledge the fact that I may sound like I've been "indoctrinated" by TFA. Some of you might laugh upon reading this, knowing exactly what I mean; others might be super confused. There's a little-known phenomenon I call "TFAing" someone. The following is an example of how I could TFA someone who I've just seen teach:
Oh my goodness, so-and-so, you showed such great SoPo in the classroom today, and your students are really invested in the big goal. I see your RPR in your data results, and it's clear your students are well on their way to significant gains.
While all of that is truly complimentary, and it should be flattering to hear someone speak so highly of what you are doing in the classroom, there are quite a few buzz words in there that might make the conversation seem a wee bit rehearsed. I TRULY BELIEVE THAT EVERY TEACH FOR AMERICA CORPS MEMBER AND STAFF MEMBER MEANS WHAT HE OR SHE SAYS, REGARDLESS OF THE VOCABULARY BEING USED. So, if someone were to say to me what I wrote above, I would appreciate it greatly, but I would also call them out on the overuse of TFA lingo. :) I mention this, because as I feel I've expressed in this post, I am proud to be a part of TFA, and this past week was so inspiring. As a result though, I feel those buzz words creeping into my vocabulary, and while they are by no means poor word choices, the more often you hear them the less value and significance they hold when someone compliments you on your DT. So, don't worry, my vocabulary is certainly in tact, and I don't think I'll be TFAing anyone anytime soon. However, if I do, call me out on it. :) More to come soon.
By the way, my response was:
Teach For America Bay Area is being surrounded by inspiring students, amazing families, and wonderful colleagues and friends.
----------
Your TFA dictionary:
TFA=Teach For America
CM=Corps Member
IC=Induction Coordinator
CVC=Core Value Community
RPR=Relentless Pursuit of Results
SoPo=Sense of Possibility
DT=Disciplined Thought
R&H=Respect and Humility
...here are some that were not included in this post but just for good measure (FYI, I realize the more I communicate with staff how great all these abbreviations are since they reduce how much I have to type! Some of these are not "exclusive" to TFA ;) ):
PD=Program Director
ED=Executive Director
sig. gains=significant gains
OAL=Operating as Leaders or Operating as Learners
SWBAT=Students will be able to...
TAL=Teaching as leadership
DCA=Diversity, Community, and Achievement
ELL=English Language Learners
STAR/CST=California Standardized Testing
CELDT=California English Language Development Test
SPED=Special Education
ELD=English Language Development
ELA=English Language Arts
ECE=early childhood education
Fun ones from Institute:
CMA=Corps member advisor
SOM=School Operations Manager
SRT=School Resource Teacher
LS=literacy specialist
CS=curriculum specialist
LPC=lesson planning clinic
...and I am sure there are many I'm forgetting. Let's just say teachers speak a whole other language.
*All pictures from teachforamerica.org
