I am very excited that this is one of the books we will be using to guide our discussions this semester in class. When I picked up the book from the bookstore I immediately recognized it. This book could not come into my life at a better time. I am recently new to teaching inner city African Americans at a charter school who’s mission statement is “To bridge the educational divide in Washington, DC by increasing the number of students from urban communities with the academic preparation and personal character to succeed in competitive high schools and colleges.” I was placed in my position without training or any preparation. A 1st grade teacher left the school unexpectedly and I was asked to take her place. I had never taught a 1st grade class and had been teaching suburban white students the past two years. It has been the toughest 5 months of my life and I am truly looking forward to reading this book and discussing its contents in order to implement new strategies immediately.
There were a few ideas and comments that caught my eye while reading the foreword and preface. The part about teachers having critical moments of transformation in their teaching careers really spoke to me. I am currently going through a rollercoaster of experiences where I feel every part of my teaching career has transformed. I look forward to reading about the 8 Dreamkeepers and what moments they feel helped transform their teaching lives.
One quality that was mentioned as part of the Dreamkeepers team is being a reflective teacher, always questioning what is right and what could be different. I believe this is one trait I am lucky enough to possess. Although my reflections tend to be more negative, I am always thinking about what else can be done and how could that have gone better. I also try not to dwell on the past but look towards tomorrow (this has been something I have been working on). As a reflective teacher and person, I am able to analyze myself with an open mind. I am known for accepting all feedback and being willing to try anything.
One part of the introduction that also stood out to me was the inclusion of how important it is to go beyond the state and district-required curricula. Before working at the charter school I am now, I felt I was able to teach what was appropriate for my students, even if it wasn’t in the lesson plan. Now I must submit lesson plans a week early without knowing what needs my students will have that day or what concepts they will have mastered. The idea of being flexible is nonexistent in terms of the curriculum, which to me doesn’t make sense in a 1st grade classroom. I hope I will be able to read more about how the 8 Dreamkeepers balanced what was required with what they feel is most valuable for their class.
