After the tumultuous Year 1, I felt hopeful and eager to begin Year Two at another school. I was offered the second grade teaching position at a charter school located in San Diego in the summer of 2012. I was welcomed by the open arms of my administration and the support of my teaching partners. I never worked so hard in my life. It probably explains why I didn't post any blog entries for an entire school year. To sum up my amazing second year, I wrote this poem:
Family
it holds truth, love, and hard work up
sunsets and rises
handfuls of laughter, heartfuls of commitment
students first, teachers challenged
to be better, to be transformed
to put students first
classroom time ups and downs
all arounds
but always resulting at peace, at success
writing the future
lifelong learners
global commitment
pushing boundaries
creating student rebels to an
unfair education system
push push and push on
knowing that the times you trip
you'll be caught
not just by a hand, but many
deep breaths
deep thoughts
love
strength
belief
more love
my new family
It is now the beginning of Year Three. 2nd grade. New faces, new ideas, new connections.
I hope to keep you all updated with posts. So far, my new students have been growing steadily into a warm, loving family. We have been building our classroom community and learning how to "be" with each other. Two days down and I'm still wishing there were more hours in the day for me to spend with my students. Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Monday, July 30, 2012
Freedom
I write this post today as a free being. I have been caught in the haze that my former school has created and survived the culture of fear that all three of my principals have maintained. I decided not to write of the realities of the school throughout the year but I am proud to announce that I have sent in my formal resignation letter.
Clicking the "Send" button in my email has never felt so liberating, so exhilarating, or so peaceful. As soon as the letter was sent I felt a world of pressure and stress lift off my shoulders.
I no longer work for a school who doesn't put children first. I no longer work for a school who simply does not support their educators. I no longer work for a school who takes advantage of their eager, new first-year teachers. I no longer answer to administrators who claim that "social justice is bullshit".
I am free from it all. I am lifted with new hope and faith in my career decisions. It was risky to leave, yes, but it was more risky to stay and lose my entire belief in the education system. I did not want to lose the love I felt for teaching and my hope in the success of CA public school system.
I hope that my friends and colleagues who are remaining at the school find the beauty in being a teacher, continue to see the positive side of things, and most importantly - find a way to put their students first.
I will miss my students, my friends, and my dedicated colleagues - but I am proud of my decision and I hope the school finds a way to one day match their mission statement that claims to support the people and communities of underserved communities.
And to the administrator who claimed "social justice is bullshit", I have very little respect for your view on education, I do not understand your lack in dedication to children; and for the last and final time, I do not agree that "testing and data is all that matters".
Love,
The new and refreshed Ms. Tsai
Clicking the "Send" button in my email has never felt so liberating, so exhilarating, or so peaceful. As soon as the letter was sent I felt a world of pressure and stress lift off my shoulders.
I no longer work for a school who doesn't put children first. I no longer work for a school who simply does not support their educators. I no longer work for a school who takes advantage of their eager, new first-year teachers. I no longer answer to administrators who claim that "social justice is bullshit".
I am free from it all. I am lifted with new hope and faith in my career decisions. It was risky to leave, yes, but it was more risky to stay and lose my entire belief in the education system. I did not want to lose the love I felt for teaching and my hope in the success of CA public school system.
I hope that my friends and colleagues who are remaining at the school find the beauty in being a teacher, continue to see the positive side of things, and most importantly - find a way to put their students first.
I will miss my students, my friends, and my dedicated colleagues - but I am proud of my decision and I hope the school finds a way to one day match their mission statement that claims to support the people and communities of underserved communities.
And to the administrator who claimed "social justice is bullshit", I have very little respect for your view on education, I do not understand your lack in dedication to children; and for the last and final time, I do not agree that "testing and data is all that matters".
Love,
The new and refreshed Ms. Tsai
Thursday, April 5, 2012
A Teacher's Bliss? Spring Break - No Doubt About It
Spring Break
One dance show. A sick Pumbaa for Hakuna Matata. 6 more online assessments. painting day. observation. more observation. one new principal. 23 parent conferences. one open house.
Just a fraction of the fire-y hoops I had to jump through in order to reach the oasis that is Spring Break.
I have spent the last 6 days hidden away from work folk and anyone shorter than 4 feet tall. I have been lounging and passing the time by cooking, baking, reading, working out, laughing, smiling, and asking myself difficult questions like "What kind of coffee shall I order today?" or "Hm, should I wake up at 10 AM or 12 PM?". I hope I forever remember the feeling that I am having during my first ever teacher spring break.
School resumes on April 9th. No big breaks from here on out so it will be a hell of a push for me to carry myself through the year. Big upcoming events: btsa deadline, masters inquiry deadline, inquiry presentations, and THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL.
c a n t w a i t .
Although I desperately needed a break from work, I spent some time this week at a good friend's school. She works as an intervention teacher and it was so blissful to see what a "normal" school does and how "normal" kinders work. I have really forgotten what that's like and it was like breathing clean air for the first time in a long time to see students that are curious about learning.
It served as hope and inspiration for me and the future of public school education. Thanks, friend!
One dance show. A sick Pumbaa for Hakuna Matata. 6 more online assessments. painting day. observation. more observation. one new principal. 23 parent conferences. one open house.
Just a fraction of the fire-y hoops I had to jump through in order to reach the oasis that is Spring Break.
I have spent the last 6 days hidden away from work folk and anyone shorter than 4 feet tall. I have been lounging and passing the time by cooking, baking, reading, working out, laughing, smiling, and asking myself difficult questions like "What kind of coffee shall I order today?" or "Hm, should I wake up at 10 AM or 12 PM?". I hope I forever remember the feeling that I am having during my first ever teacher spring break.
School resumes on April 9th. No big breaks from here on out so it will be a hell of a push for me to carry myself through the year. Big upcoming events: btsa deadline, masters inquiry deadline, inquiry presentations, and THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL.
c a n t w a i t .
Although I desperately needed a break from work, I spent some time this week at a good friend's school. She works as an intervention teacher and it was so blissful to see what a "normal" school does and how "normal" kinders work. I have really forgotten what that's like and it was like breathing clean air for the first time in a long time to see students that are curious about learning.
It served as hope and inspiration for me and the future of public school education. Thanks, friend!
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Love is...
...eating breakfast with my students at 7 AM in the auditorium.
The school year is moving along rather quickly and things are going well with my students. They are growing as individuals and scholars and tackling the (insane) demands of the administration and school. Students love being with their peers, but the testing craze still creates a fog of anxiety and stress for my kids. I can only hope with my heart that they will not be turned off by school, that they won't grow to see that school = tests, and that they will learn to be an advocate for themselves and their education.
Valentines Day is coming up and I can't wait for my kids to tell me what love is to them. I'll post their responses <3
...having a dance party to hakuna matata after benchmark was over.
The school year is moving along rather quickly and things are going well with my students. They are growing as individuals and scholars and tackling the (insane) demands of the administration and school. Students love being with their peers, but the testing craze still creates a fog of anxiety and stress for my kids. I can only hope with my heart that they will not be turned off by school, that they won't grow to see that school = tests, and that they will learn to be an advocate for themselves and their education.
Valentines Day is coming up and I can't wait for my kids to tell me what love is to them. I'll post their responses <3
...having a dance party to hakuna matata after benchmark was over.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
I woke up and it was suddenly the end of 2011!
Wow, time does fly when you have dance concerts, benchmark exams, weekly online assessments, writing exams, and uh - oh yeah, teaching to take care of! I honestly cannot recall most of what has happened since November until December 15th afternoon when school was let out and I was FREE! One of the most important tips I can give to other teachers and future educators is this:
I know we don't make good money, and of course the money we do is spent buying supplies for our classroom, but make time and budget something for a VACATION. We certainly deserve it. I can tell you wholeheartedly that after 6 years of rigorous, test crazy college prep school + 4 grueling years of undergrad + 1.3 years of graduate school (continuously!!) I never needed a "vacation". But after 3 months of teaching? oh yeah, no regrets on my vaca to Florida!
Had to take this photo - can't wait to show my kinder students!
I hope everyone else out there (especially hardworking teachers) has a safe and beautiful holiday and a fresh new year.
See you all in 2012!
Yeah, that's me. And that's a giant sting ray - no biggy. SERIOUSLY, GO ON VACATION. <3
I know we don't make good money, and of course the money we do is spent buying supplies for our classroom, but make time and budget something for a VACATION. We certainly deserve it. I can tell you wholeheartedly that after 6 years of rigorous, test crazy college prep school + 4 grueling years of undergrad + 1.3 years of graduate school (continuously!!) I never needed a "vacation". But after 3 months of teaching? oh yeah, no regrets on my vaca to Florida!
Had to take this photo - can't wait to show my kinder students!
I hope everyone else out there (especially hardworking teachers) has a safe and beautiful holiday and a fresh new year.
See you all in 2012!
Yeah, that's me. And that's a giant sting ray - no biggy. SERIOUSLY, GO ON VACATION. <3
Monday, October 31, 2011
Happy Halloween!
Another month has gone by - the first testing chunk is over, but I can already feel the second one coming on up.
I am learning the significance of having time with friends during my first year of teaching. Walling myself up in a cave has done nothing positive for anyone - me, my students, or my friends and family. Yesterday I went pumpkin carving. Enough said. Tonight, I'm watching TV and passing out candy to cute trick or treaters that I do not need to entertain for more than 30 seconds. LOVE IT.
Cheers to all the teachers in the world who have made it to the end of October. It can only get better from here... right?
Happy Halloween!
I am learning the significance of having time with friends during my first year of teaching. Walling myself up in a cave has done nothing positive for anyone - me, my students, or my friends and family. Yesterday I went pumpkin carving. Enough said. Tonight, I'm watching TV and passing out candy to cute trick or treaters that I do not need to entertain for more than 30 seconds. LOVE IT.
Cheers to all the teachers in the world who have made it to the end of October. It can only get better from here... right?
Happy Halloween!
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Today is October 1, 2011.
Wow! Has it really been that long since my last post? My life has been completely taken over by my work. It is the hardest I have ever worked in my entire life. I cannot fathom the incredible work load I am walking into (or already drowning in) with my first year of full time teaching, BTSA year 1, and pursuing my M. Ed from UCLA.
Whoo.
Today is October 1, 2011. Many veteran teachers have warned me in the past that the worst time in teaching Kinder is the first month. WELL, its OCTOBER! Things better shape up starting Monday...
It has been incredible. From my extremely overwhelming PD in August to my first day of school on Wednesday, September 7th. My students are brilliant and loving. I am so lucky to be their teacher this year and I can already feel my attachment to them. Everyday routines have been more or less put into place (although they still need more practice) and Benchmark testing begins Monday. SIGH.
Although I am dreading the GIANT tests that are coming up for my students, I am so excited for my first Back to School Night on Wednesday. I am eager to share with the parents what my students and I have been working on so far in the year and receive any feedback or comments. If you have ever had a Back to School night (or attended one) please leave me a comment with any tips!
Today I also attended the Future Teacher's Conference 2011 at LMU. SO AMAZING! I loved the people, the speakers, the workshops, and the energy. It really helped me refocus my attention on why I joined this profession and what I love about teaching. Teaching kindergarten means that I set the stage of how my students will view school, learning, and themselves. Kindergarten is where it starts. Encouraging and building lifelong learners begins here. And I'm there. It's been so remarkable already (remarkable meaning CRAZY roller coaster ride), but so rewarding. Like many have said today at the conference, teachers are never rewarded with money, praise, or recognition. We are rewarded by the fact that we touch the lives of young people everyday. I am rewarded knowing that I add stability and positive value to the lives of all twenty three of my beautiful scholars.
I wish more people in the world (and especially in the US) saw teaching for what it is: teaching is the hardest profession in the world. Please, next time someone tells you they teach in an urban community, react the way you ought to react - with respect. A wonderful speaker today told me that to be a teacher, I would need someone or people in my life that were understanding. A support network or team who understood that teachers don't get off of work at 2:45 PM when the bell rings. You don't clock out at 6:00 PM with just your purse on your shoulder and car keys in hand. That you don't ever have a second of the day when those 23 kids aren't on your mind. To understand that effective teachers do not get summers off. I hope one day to find that I will be with someone who could understand all of that.
Whoo.
Today is October 1, 2011. Many veteran teachers have warned me in the past that the worst time in teaching Kinder is the first month. WELL, its OCTOBER! Things better shape up starting Monday...
It has been incredible. From my extremely overwhelming PD in August to my first day of school on Wednesday, September 7th. My students are brilliant and loving. I am so lucky to be their teacher this year and I can already feel my attachment to them. Everyday routines have been more or less put into place (although they still need more practice) and Benchmark testing begins Monday. SIGH.
Although I am dreading the GIANT tests that are coming up for my students, I am so excited for my first Back to School Night on Wednesday. I am eager to share with the parents what my students and I have been working on so far in the year and receive any feedback or comments. If you have ever had a Back to School night (or attended one) please leave me a comment with any tips!
Today I also attended the Future Teacher's Conference 2011 at LMU. SO AMAZING! I loved the people, the speakers, the workshops, and the energy. It really helped me refocus my attention on why I joined this profession and what I love about teaching. Teaching kindergarten means that I set the stage of how my students will view school, learning, and themselves. Kindergarten is where it starts. Encouraging and building lifelong learners begins here. And I'm there. It's been so remarkable already (remarkable meaning CRAZY roller coaster ride), but so rewarding. Like many have said today at the conference, teachers are never rewarded with money, praise, or recognition. We are rewarded by the fact that we touch the lives of young people everyday. I am rewarded knowing that I add stability and positive value to the lives of all twenty three of my beautiful scholars.
I wish more people in the world (and especially in the US) saw teaching for what it is: teaching is the hardest profession in the world. Please, next time someone tells you they teach in an urban community, react the way you ought to react - with respect. A wonderful speaker today told me that to be a teacher, I would need someone or people in my life that were understanding. A support network or team who understood that teachers don't get off of work at 2:45 PM when the bell rings. You don't clock out at 6:00 PM with just your purse on your shoulder and car keys in hand. That you don't ever have a second of the day when those 23 kids aren't on your mind. To understand that effective teachers do not get summers off. I hope one day to find that I will be with someone who could understand all of that.
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