It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s…

8.31.10 By Stephen Yang

In the August 25th op-ed section of the New York Times, Thomas L. Friedman identified some “good news” (thankfully) in the midst of what feels like an endless thread of bad news about America these days.  Americans, Friedman wrote, “are finally taking their education crisis seriously…with supermen and superwomen pushing super-hard to assemble what we know works: better-trained teachers working with the best methods under the best principals supported by more involved parents.”  Friedman’s point resonates with me because I’m beginning to understand that being an effective teacher does require a superhuman dedication to inquiry, equity, democracy, ongoing professional development, praxis, and-most importantly-student learning gains. 

As veteran teachers attest, being a teacher is not a thankless nor impossible assignment, but one which certainly demands a commitment of body, mind, and spirit.  To this end, BTR has worked my physical, intellectual, and spiritual muscles since the program began on July 6th.  That I feel sore but “pumped up” speaks highly of this program.  I’ve invested myself, been pushed to discover inner resources I’ve previously neglected, and grown through my collaboration with like-minded professionals who care deeply about student achievement and social justice.  BTR hasn’t taught me how to scale cliffs or shoot laser beams out of my retinas (at least not yet), but it has taught me that adolescents care deeply about being accepted in their social contexts and will pursue social acceptance zealously, even at the expense of what is best for them at the moment; BTR has taught me that some of our most beloved institutions perpetuate systems of oppression, that disability should be a part of any discourse relating to diversity, and that how teachers interact and communicate with their students during the most simple exchanges throughout a day really matter.  Most importantly, BTR has clarified that the challenges I’ll face this year are invaluable opportunities for personal and professional development. 

Upon receiving the BTR Unsung Hero award last year, Samuel Campbell delivered a poem entitled, “What’s Your Definition of a Teacher?” He began by thanking his audience for “not giving up, because the world needs better teachers” and “for picking this profession, because there is nothing more important.”  Most of us won’t be wearing red and blue spandex and capes when we enter our classrooms in September, but we will enter armed with a unique repertoire of powerful theoretical tools.  I joined BTR as a willing participant of the urban education movement in Boston.  My next task is to learn how to use my tools effectively, and then after that, save the world one child at a time.  I’ve got a superhuman responsibility, no doubt.  But after BTR’s intensive summer institute, I can assure you that I’m flying high. 

“What’s your definition of a teacher?” Campbell asked as he moved to his conclusion. “Mine is hope…It’s not a fight we can lose…don’t make that mistake, you have the heart and mind of a child at stake.”