Written for my math methods class; the prompt was to write about myself, my background, and math education, as well as my direction for the future as an educator. This cottage
I’ve been coming since before I can remember My German grandfather helped his father build this place The week was a reprieve from the summer boredom And the math worksheets my mother would make us do Not that I really minded them, math was better than language arts Math was always my best subject Except for the test in fourth grade when I got a D; I cried I’ve never handled failure well; I’m learning Edna Ferber Elementary It has been more meaningful since I stopped attending Senior year of high school, 26 little cherubs and my old first grade teacher Every afternoon, they left me with a smile and confidence in this profession Some days I would have to skip this practicum To spend 2 hours making up homework with my AP Calculus teacher She understood how to teach calc to high school seniors, creating an open environment Using visuals, posting notes to review, giving endless one-on-one help She also understood what it was like to lose a dad at the age of 18 I somehow managed a 4.0 that semester And got 4’s and 5’s on all of my AP tests I’ve always been an achiever, but I was blessed with good genes A redheaded mother and a black-haired father, who was more salt and pepper at the end My brother is a physics genius, playing games with the stock market My sister has her doctorate, from Marquette University I went to a state school to become a low-paid special education teacher Sometimes I wonder if my dad would be proud of me I never wonder if my Father is He knows that I am doing this to love and serve Him I was unsure what exactly I would be doing Until I returned to Edna Ferber Elementary, my second year in college It is there that I met her, the sixth grade girl She loved dogs and One Direction and reading; the school called her “EBD” But she had no interest in math, I coaxed her to try She had no motivation, no engagement, no personal connections Each day she left yet another worksheet undone, They say poor participation, I saw poor instruction Where is the collaboration? Where is the inclusion? Where are the visuals and activities? Who is showing her why math matters? Who is telling her they care about her interests? Appleton, Wisconsin A sixth grade girl, no interest in math Labeled by the school, but loved by none Pine Ridge, South Dakota Hugs and kisses from children that I do not deserve It pains me to know that I am the one who oppresses them China A minority group torn down for their culture and religion Oppression that this time is not mine, but hurts and angers me deeply Bloomer, Wisconsin A small girl, labeled as Autistic, unable to speak Unable to tell us that her dad is abusing her, but we know It is for them that I hope It is for them that I dream It is for them that I attend these courses, to learn to be an effective educator To learn how to fail, so that they can succeed To achieve for more than myself To give Him all of the glory It is for them that I strive to become an educator, so that I can change the world.
2 Comments
ann
1/28/2015 12:48:16 pm
All I can say is WOW!
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Pops
1/29/2015 11:30:19 am
Yes, your Dad would be proud of you.
Reply
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December 2022
I'm guessing I'll have it all figured out by the time I turn 30.
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