This school year has felt like an emotional roller coaster. Every school year does, but something about this year has made the highs and lows feel more extreme. I have felt more doubt and frustration about my teaching, and the educational system in general, than I can remember feeling before.
I’m trying to make sense of this. I’m trying to be realistic about the trade offs inherent to teaching. As a teacher I can be a changemaker, but I’ll also be an agent of the state. I can prepare my students for standardized tests, but I won’t have that time to do other things I’m truly passionate about. I can teach in a public school in Central Harlem, but I’ll be giving up certain freedoms and resources.