I say...
"I work with middle school students in an urban setting."
They say...
"Well, in this economy you can't expect to get your dream job straight out of college."
"Its so noble of you to take such a thankless job when your education could have allowed you to teach at any number of prestigious schools."
"You brave soul!"
"Given your...background...wouldn't you be more comfortable working somewhere more...suburban or...rural?"
I hear...
"Ms. Ronhovde, why don't we have a basketball team?"
"What's the point? I'm not going to college."
"Ms. Ronhovde, why don't we have any music classes?"
"Our school is broke. They can't give us nothin'"
"Ms. Ronhovde, how am I supposed to do this project when this school has no internet?"
They hear...
"Urban schools need to stop focusing on "fluff" and get back to the 3 R's"
"Gang violence is on the rise."
"Graduation rates for urban public schools still linger below fifty percent."
"High School drop outs: What's feeding the trend?"
I see...
Sparkle
Furrowed brows as furious pencils race to unlock the mystery of a variable
Mesmerized stares as thoughtful fingers turn crisp pages of a beloved book
The light bulb turning on as a young mind is introduced to a completely new world of thought
A smile full of love in response to every moment I prove to them I am listening and I care
Hope
They see...
Nothing
Here is what I am currently pondering. How do we get well meaning and intelligent people to stop simply painting a picture of urban schools and their students based on statistics and news stories? These children are not numbers, monsters, deadbeats, and certainly not pathetic beings in need of anyone's pity. I am humbled everyday by the intellect and perspective provided by the brilliant young minds surrounding me. I know that if others could see the sparkle I see in my students, they too would be invested in ensuring that it never fizzles out.
