Friends,

I teach for BRIANNA, a 7th grade student in my math class who scored a 31% on her diagnostic assessment, a 33% on her daily assessment yesterday, and a 100% on her daily assessment today.  She wears her pink backpack in the front and raised her hand at least four times in class today.

I teach for FRANKIE, a 7th grade student who filled in absolutely nothing on his diagnostic test on Tuesday, leading me to believe he could not speak English.  After I found out he tested at a sixth grade reading level, I took him aside after class to tell him I believe he can get a perfect score on his final test.  He scored a 0% on his daily assessment yesterday and a 33% on his daily assessment today.  He spoke three words out loud to me yesterday; today, we shared a secret handshake and many smiles.  We are making progress.

I teach for JULIET, a 7th grade student who got a 100% on both daily assessments I have given.  She is positive and humble, and I am looking forward to progressing in lesson planning so that I can challenge her, even as I work with remedial students.

I teach for PANCHO, a 7th grade student who exudes energy and whose rowdiness I am determined to use for good.   He scored a 37% on his diagnostic test and a 78% average on the daily assessments I have given.  He is a natural class leader with a contagious smile.

I teach for ISAAC, a 7th grade student who raises his hand when he has questions.  I cannot say enough for students like him who own their academic weaknesses and seek help.

I teach for all 28 of my tremendously beautiful, intelligent, hard working, hilarious 7th grade students at Stevenson.  As we talked about the theory of malleable intelligence today, which says that we can grow our brains and get smarter by making the positive choice to work hard, I saw their attitudes change.  Kids who admitted that their parents or teachers had, at some point, told them they were stupid or incapable pointed their thumbs at their chests and chanted in unison, “I believe in me.”

I believe in them fully.  I believe that all of them will reach 100% of their individual growth goals for the summer.  I believe that this summer’s preparation can prepare them for a successful 7th grade career.  I believe that if I invest them fully in their education, I can set them on a path to a four-year university.  I believe that waking up at 5am to teach them and attend training sessions until 5pm before working out, eating, lesson planning, and sleeping is a totally joyful responsibility.

I teach, because the cause is too urgent to waste time.

For the kids,

Bailey