How does this experience change what I think about teaching (if at all)?

 

This experience has changed everything for me. From the idea of a genius hour to the powerful words of “ Stuck in the shallow end”. I was stuck in teacher purgatory for some time. Not being brave enough to take chances and also not being aware of the ways a regular guy like myself could make learning fun. Through this program, I've established my purpose in life. I know this year I've awakened a hunger in my kids that laid dormant for a while. I see the “twinkle in the eyes”, it’s the same look i had as a child. I am no longer afraid to take chances in my classroom. Best of all i am no longer in creative purgatory.

 

What am I taking from this experience and how can I use that when I go back to my classroom?

 

I am taking everything. This day in history, quickfires, flipped classrooms, green screen, media, memes, technology, humor, everything. I literally had a-ha moment while in the program, MSUrbanStem has given me so many ideas to take forward and share with my colleagues and students.

 

Five Year Plan

 

I was extremely inspired by the test we were given. Stuck in the shallow end was big for me. I had never before associated opportunity and racial identity in that way. As of next year i’ll be teaching a computer repair apprenticeship with my students. Getting them introduced to technology and coding is my short term goal. My other short term goal is to write a few books. I will spend the summer researching, I don't want to say exactly what it's about, but it's in the same mindset as stuck in the shallow end.  I also will finish the children's book “ little sterling blue” a book I started creating on the awesome surface tablet we received. It’s basically the story I told my little brother when he came home crying because he was being taunted and bullied by other kids because of his complexion. It’s a children's book teaching self esteem, self-worth, and cultural pride. Writing and mentoring are huge goals for the next five years personally and professionally.