This is officially my first blog post...pretty excited about it! I am however even more excited about the adventure I will be sharing with you all.
I have been accepted into the Teach for America program and will be moving to Phoenix, Arizona in June 2011. I would like to give you a little insight into the program. This is a prestigious organization that picks top recent college graduates to go into the areas of greatest need in the United States. In these areas, there is an achievement gap present in the schools. An achievement gap that has been created due to the inequity present in our current school systems and society. The education that a child receives is determined by their race/ethnicity and where they are born. Basically, if a child is of a minority group and born in a low-income area, our society has deemed them undeserving of a quality education compared to students in high-income communities.
This is where TFA and the corp members come in. We go into these areas of need and give our students the greatest education we can. They deserve a great education that helps them reach their highest potential, even if the school may not have the funds that other well-funded schools have.
Overall, I believe that all children can learn and deserve the greatest education available in this great nation. It doesn't matter where they were born or what race/ethnic group they identify with. Each and every child deserves to learn in a safe and welcoming environment, be a member of a learning community, be treasured for who they are, be challenged to reach high goals, and loved as an individual.
This is why I teach and this is why I am proud to say that I am now a part of an organization that treasures the importance of education and bridging the achievement gap as much as I do.
Please go to the Teach for America website to read more about the movement: www.teachforamerica.org
I am so excited to embark on this adventure that has been given to me. While there are nervous feelings mixed in with the excited feelings, I am trusting that God has called me to this area and this is all a part of the plan he has for my life. Therefore I will approach this adventure with open arms and an open heart willing to be his hands and feet in this world.
I am happy you are willing to follow my adventure. I would love any comments you have. And more importantly I ask for prayers. Prayers for guidance, trust, patience and an open-mind. Prayers for friends and family I am moving away from. Prayers for my fellow corp members and my students.
Get ready for the adventure!!! :) :) :)
