So here we are again: It’s May, there are less than 20 days of school left, and even though this year was difficult (each one always is for different reasons anymore), I am bustling with ideas of things I want to try next year.

NEXT YEAR?

Yes, next year. While I do have two or three applications out to get out of the classroom and move into curriculum writing (which I think is my true passion), the odds I can get those jobs with very little experience in that subject matter is slim to none, I think. The odds aren’t zero, so I applied.

But am I really a teacher planning on going back next year, even with all the straight disrespect given to us lately? Surprisingly, yes. While there were a lot of challenges between students, colleagues and supervisors, I had a blast with my students this year. Did you know I had no students fail my class in the first semester? I have high expectations. Students met them.

As the year went on, my biggest struggle was in getting my coworkers to care as much as I did: to try new things to help their students; to build relationships and understand why they are the way they are. You’re not always the best teacher because you’re mean (you’re also not always the best because you’re nice either).

It was especially difficult watching my current foster teen struggle through her classes this year because she has teachers who continually do the bare minimum. By the way, she goes to school at my campus.

In my classroom, I thrive as a teacher. Sure, 7th graders have their days, but with most you get more good than bad. I love everyone who walks through my door equally, and we have the best experience: we learn, we are challenged, we talk to each other, we think critically and creatively.

So why can’t everyone else be the same way?

Here’s my rant: Why won’t the system develop itself in the right direction?

I get it on one hand: many of us educators are tied down by state and district personnel who’ve spent 1% (if any) of their career in a classroom – and almost none post-COVID but that’s another discussion. Within the last month I’ve heard of districts moving back to literal SCRIPTED CURRICULUM – because THAT’S what we need.

I’ve taken a stand in my own classroom. I thrive under a blended/personalized learning method. The more I read about it, the more I think everyone should do it. We need to meet students where they are at. We need to show students that they are represented in society and they are capable of the same. We need to challenge the gifted and lift the struggling. But I also know that teachers have to do what’s best for their own students, and maybe that’s something else. I do not teach at our designated “blended learning academy” campus because I refuse to make a lateral move when I’m happy enough where I’m at. I do what’s best for me, and so far I’ve never gotten any kickback for it.

What I can’t stand is teachers who continue to do the bare minimum everyday, and then complain about behaviors, students not doing their work, students being disruptive. Well duh, THEY’RE BORED.

The book “Engaging Students with Poverty in Mind: Practical Strategies for Raising Achievement” features two quotes I really love:

“A ‘no excuses’ mentality means that even if you believe it should be students’ job to be engaged, you accept that it’s your job to engage them.”

“Everything you get from your students—the rolled eyes, the excitement, the apathy, the big smiles—is feedback on your performance.”

At this point in education, the system won’t change unless we force it to change. Put people in charge who deserve to be in charge and will support the forward motion. Respect and pay teachers more so they will actually WANT to try harder to create innovative plans.

Even in my blended/personalized learning classroom, I do not work past my contract hours. I teach ELA – I grade reading and writing assessments on the daily. You have to be willing to change and try new things until you find something that works.

I’m frustrated because I can’t change the whole system. I am one small piece of the galaxy-sized puzzle.

Today, I took part in a scoring conference put on by our local Writing Project. We always start by writing. I got a quote to reflect on in my writing. It said, “…never let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do” (Myles Munroe). I cannot overhaul the whole system, but I am working to accept that I control what happens in my classroom, and if I can make a difference in 90 students’ lives every year, I guess I will keep on doing that. As Mother Teresa kind of said, “if you can’t feed them all, feed one.”