NO EXCUSES

Dinner last night was a barbecue at a TFA donor's house, a huge farmhouse with a barn (horses) and two Rhodesian Ridgebacks (see previous blog). Following dinner, I made it as far as the doorway of the bar before turning around and heading straight to bed.

Today started out well and got better. We visited various schools in CT to observe TFA CMs and alumni in action. My carpool visited a charter middle school in Bridgeport. The first class we saw was the "bad kids class", as we were warned by three different people on our way to the classroom. We pulled open the door, with some trepidation, and saw...a classroom full of kids sitting quietly and enthusiastically learning science. Some kids in the back weren't smiling...maybe that's what they were talking about.

This afternoon was a little tedious, especially because field day was rained out, but we learned about our teacher certification process. As science teachers, the first part of our "capstone project" is an assignment of 2-page papers on each of 5 different people who were important to science and technology in the 19th and 20th centuries. Not the most challenging, but certainly not bad. So far, I've been thinking (and we're encouraged to represent minority groups): Charles Drew, Alan Turing, Marie Curie, Gregor Mendel, and Dmitri Mendeleev. I've got an African American, a gay man, a woman, a clergyman, and a procrastinator.

Tonight at dinner we finally had the presentation I've been waiting for. Doug McCurry, superintendent of the Achievement First charter network (of first failed interview fame) gave a challenging and motivating speech that had everyone in the room out of their seats and chanting mega-church style. Most importantly, he was the first speaker we've had that made it clear that there were NO EXCUSES. Especially, that we are first-year teachers.

He also gave ample advice on the practical matters, like setting clear, measurable goals and managing the details of a classroom. Set goals like having students grow 1.5 years in reading, not aiming to be a good teacher. Aim for 80% of students mastering standardized exams, or running 13.1 miles.

NO EXCUSES.

He also told us that, unfortunately, teaching is not like Dead Poet's Society or Mr. Holland's Opus. Unplanned lessons do not end in a swell of music and inspired applause. And soccer playing. They will not lift you on their shoulders. But they will, if you plan carefully, and be consistent, and relentless, at the end of the year, say thank you.

He was, suffice it to say, inspiring.