Let’s be honest…I’m tired and it’s only November. We’re on the 2nd 9 weeks of teaching. Students are getting real comfortable, too comfortable in my classroom. I’m trying every classroom management trick in the book: signals to get quiet, behavior narrative, writing names on the board, sending students to the office, one-on-one conversations, moving seats,…
read more »Today is Parent Teacher Conference Day and since my school requires the parents pick up their child’s report card – the school is packed. Parents are streaming in and out of my room. It’s interesting to finally meet the people who are responsible for my students. With meeting the parents I am forced to think…
read more »As Florence put it, my regrets since the start of school are starting to haunt me. I have officially been teaching high school English for 13 (school) days and already I am constantly wishing I had done things more to the book. The book which I am referring is “First Days of School” by Frank…
read more »“I would change the three class system to just two classes. I would change this because I am tired of seeing poor people homeless on the street. If I could change that people would have homes and have jobs so they will have money to live.” 11th grade student, male “If I had the power…
read more »I had the pleasure of staying in Greenwood for a few days. Greenwood is a friendly town with lots of culture. There is clear segregation in the city; once you cross the bridge you enter a whole new world. But I will miss waking up to the elephant herd
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The Rev. Jesse Jackson spoke at the Jackson Public School’s opening convocation earlier this week. I am a big admirer of the Rev., dating back to when my group of friends in high school starting calling ourselves “The Rainbow Coalition.” Anyways, he was truly inspiring. I felt privileged to be in the same room as him. Rev.…
read more »My goal for this evening is to be in bed by 9:30. Today was the first day I felt like crying. It had nothing to do with my students, they are improving on a daily basis. It had nothing to do with the hour bus rides. It had nothing to do with the long (sometimes…
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We had an early day on Thursday so I had a chance to visit Helena, AR. My friend, Mickie, is placed there so I thought I would tag along for a ride. Here are some photos I snapped. Enjoy!
read more »The reaction to my video from corps members in TFA has very encouraging. Each person who spoke to me about it said that they really enjoyed knowing they shared the same sentiments with other people. It was comforting for them to know that their experience was shared and yet still unique. Reactions from other people…
read more »Last week was a whirlwind and here I am, at the beginning of a new week ready to do it all again. I taught three times last week and each time I learned something new. About myself. About my fivve students. At the end of the week I knew that I could have a powerful…
read more »Long days, long nights. That’s the description of Institute that I received from past corps members. This is week one and for the past two days, the amazing ELA summer teachers have been at Delta State’s campus, working our butts off to learn things like “Using your Teacher Voice” or “The importance of having a…
read more »Jaleh Sadravi / Corps Member c/o Teach For America Institute DeltaState University BoxB4 1003 West Sunflower Road Cleveland, MS 38733 Send me things
read more »Thine eyes do not fool you. I am up before the butt crack of dawn to drive to Monticello, AR to take the PRAXIS II in English Lit. Am I ready to pass the test? YES! And I will pass this test. A friend of mine back home was asking me why I was even…
read more »I’m writing this post as not only a way to reflect upon Induction, but also to avoid studying. Today was the first day of workshops and meeting with people in the same teaching area. I finally found out my placement – Lainer High School in Jackson. I look forward to learning more about my future…
read more »I passed the PRAXIS I exam. Not with flying colors but I passed. Induction is already here and I’m currently in Cleveland. No, not Ohio but Mississippi. My drive started on Monday and after a nights rest in Nashville, I arrived in Cleveland Tuesday afternoon. After unloading my car (second floor, no elevator) I took…
read more »I joined TFA to get away. To escape the mundane ways of Columbus, Ohio. I wanted to explore to new places and learn new things. Could I have chosen an easier way to leave Ohio? Sure. But where is the fun in that. Getting away is not the only reason I joined Teach For America,…
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