Day 178 I dont have a picture today. Sadly, I left my iPod in CA with my grandparents so they could send me daily photos and Skype. However, I just had to share my letter of the day. I am so proud of all my students!
Dear Mrs. Pittman,
When I am president, the first thing I will do is give you $9000. Then I will send you on a trip to Tahiti. Have a good time!
Have a great time!
-Lily
Man, I really hope she becomes president one day!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Project 365:: Day 175
Day 175 I found a flight from Phoenix to California, so I am headed to see my boys! I miss them!!!
Project 365:: Day 173
Day 173 Man, Phoenix is hot. I cant take the heat.....or the sun for that matter!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Project 365:: Day 172
Day 172 Before school started, I made a poster that says "If I finish early, I will..." and it lists three options. I never realized the value of creating a poster that would be so simple, yet so necessary to our classroom functions. What do you do when 5 3rd graders raise their hand and yell "I am done" while you are instructing others? So, our student's make their choices and sit silently at their desk. One of these choices is "Write your teacher a letter". This is by far the most popular choice and the most entertaining for us teachers. That pile of papers if filled with funny comments and stories from our students that keep me smiling ear to ear.
"Mrs. Pittman,
Do you really have two children? You must be OLD!"
"Mrs. Pittman,
SORRY! SORRY! SORRY! I wont disrupt your talking ever again. No way."
"Mrs. Pittman,
You are married, because you wear a ring on your finger. Wait---Does that you mean you are the oldest in this room??"
and Finally.....
"Mrs. Pittman,
I like your dress and your earrings and your hair. I am excited for you to be my teacher in summer school."
This will never get old.
Project 365:: Day 171
Day 171 I survived. My first day teaching the 3rd grade was more challenging than I expected but more rewarding than I could dream. I always knew teaching was a calling, but I am reminded at just how lucky I am to be pursuing my dream.
Favorite kid comment today:
"I like math! This is SOOOO fun!!! Like, really fun!"
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Project 365:: Day 170
Day 170 Today hit me a little hard. I haven't seen my kids in exactly a week. Between naps, class, teaching, planning, I barely get two words in to my little guys. It has been a week. Only a week. I am saddened every time I call and cant get to talk. I am saddened when I hear sweet Clark giggling or Kannon talking in the background. I long to hold them. I long for their sweet baby smells. I want to give them kisses and say "Mama's here". As long as I keep busy I don't think about our distance. But the second time stops I am reminded by this emptiness in my heart. I know we will see each other soon, but until then, all I have is this picture.
On the bright side, I did take the light rail across town to meet a friend. We wandered the mall and talked like old friends. I cant wait to do it again!
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Project 365:: Day 169
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Project 365:: Day 167
Day 167 My two new necessities in life: large amounts of coffee and my computer. Welcome the world of a teacher.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Project 365:: Day 166
Project 365:: Day 165
Day 165 I may be 5 hours away busting my brain designing lesson plans but my kiddos are still having fun! I am so grateful to have wonderful family that loves and care for my children the same way I do. I am also grateful that they are so willing to do this so I can follow my dreams! Thank you for taking on the joy and responsibility of watching 2 insanely adorable children!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Project 365:: Day 164
Day 164 We began our first full day of institute with a bang, lots of coffee, and tired eyes. That travel mug has been useful for the gallons of coffee I have already consumed staying alert, engaging with text, and polishing our lessons. We were asked to reflect on what we would want our parents to say about our classroom. I wrote a letter to myself through the eyes of a parent that I would like to share.
Dear Mrs. Pittman,When our daughter first walked into your class, she was scared, nervous, and excited. School has been a challenge and it seemed that she was left to fall behind. Your class was different. You offered her a chance to feel part of community. She flourished knowing that she was valued. She was invested in her education and you continued to praise her, encourage her, and empower her.
I look at my daughter today and she is so different than she was that first day of school. Today, she is confident in her abilities. She shares with us her voice, her opinions, and her love of learning. It hasn’t been easy. There were days she struggled with the assignments you gave her. She struggled with her independent reading and her math. But she never gave up. She always said “Mrs. Pittman needs me to do this”. So, she did.
I will admit—I was doubtful of your classroom. Teach For America has been controversial; what could you teach my daughter; how would you be different? I look back on those first weeks of school. My daughter has grown so much. She loves learning and yearns for more. But you have grown even more. You have managed to build a community of organized, respectful, and enthusiastic learners. Your teaching has gone from just merely teaching basic principles to really encouraging students to be excited and engage with their learning. You have preserved through the challenges that so many first-year teachers face and you never showed a wrinkle or a frown. The students are lucky to have you and I hope that next years’ students show even greater progress.
Thank you for giving our daughter and our school your gifts of community, empowerment and perseverance. These will be the skills necessary for our daughter to succeed far beyond high school.Peace.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Project 365:: Day 163
Day 163 Well, there is no turning back now. I said goodbye to my kids with tear filled eyes, sadness, and excitement. The flight attendant was armed with a box of Kleenex and water for me. The mom in me feels guilt and nervousness as I leave my two boys with someone other than myself.
"Will they be okay? Did they pack the diaper bag? Did they remember how to sign 'change'? Will they remember me?"
The plane landed in Phoenix and I an uneasiness subsided. I am here. There is no turning back. This is what I signed up for and I am going to give it my all. I hopped on a shuttle, a few forms and lines later, I was opening my door to my temporary abode in Phoenix.
It feels so lonely and cold without the pitter-patter of tiny feet and screeching toddlers. Yet, I am quickly reminded that I am not alone. My peers have been so very welcoming and their passion for educational equity joins us. This passion will guide me through this 5 weeks of separation.
I am scared. What if I fail? What if I succeed? How will our lives continue to transform as we embark on this new path? Again, will my kids remember me?
After a Target trip and a cozy dinner, I called my kids. My 19-month old who barely speaks said "hi mama" over the phone. There were a few more mumbles and jumbles and I heard him go squealing away. And in the distance, I heard "dub ooh mama". He said, "I love you mama".
I love you too! They wont remember these next 5 weeks. But if they did, I would tell them joining TFA is all for them. For their futures, their peers futures, for all the children around them. We do this because we love you!!!
Project 365:: Day 162
Day 162 We celebrated new adventures at Finbars for dinner. The boys were a little cranky until they got their lasagna and ice cream! I am going to miss them!
Project 365:: Day 161
Friday, June 10, 2011
Project 365:: Day 160
Project 365:: Day 159
Day 159 does this look like the face of a kid who has strep throat??? Poor baby!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Project 365:: Day 158
Day 158 As you may have guessed I have been more than busy. Induction into Teach For America started this Monday as I fancied up and hopped on a bus to meet the other 38 incoming corps members. Our induction has been more than just a few meet and greets as we have been thrown right into understanding the values behind TFA and the culture of Seattle. I am feeling challenged and blessed as I discover the balance between two passions--my job and my children. In this internal struggle and facing the reality of Seattle schools, I have discovered that they are not necessarily separate things.
I graduated from Seattle University nestled in Capital Hill and surrounded by vibrant culture and diversity. I volunteered in many Seattle schools. I tutored at Bailey Gatzert, Meany Middle school, and was a program assistant at Children's Literacy Project, placing volunteers in needed areas. The Achievement Gap has been a conversation within in my communities. In college, it was my duty to raise awareness of the Achievement Gap and its importance as a social justice issue. We are failing our students and as a community we need to take action against this injustice.
Long story short, I am aware of the problem but not even I realized the true depth and complexity of this issue. I have always believed that the disparities existed between North and South Seattle schools. Little did I realize that these disparities exist across the board in almost every school, some dramatically worse than others. The schools that I had perceived has "top-notch" were to my surprise failing. In one school, only 55% of students were proficient in reading. In another, only 14% were proficient in math. The gap exists and it is real. In Seattle, your zip code determines a lot more than your mailing address or postal rate. Even in my research, participation, and attempts to take action in fixing this problem, I failed to see the painful and angry reality facing our community.
My children will attend Seattle Public Schools. Am I scared? Am I worried? No. I know that teachers, communities, and parents are working together to reach a collective goal. I know that the 38 incoming Teach For America corps members will strive to meet AND exceed the needs of their students. I know that this community is capable of doing great things and that one day ALL children will succeed far beyond high school. I am more than excited about the future and all it holds. It will be a challenging road. It will be tearful, painful, hilarious, and rewarding. We are working together to ensure the future of not just my children, but all children. We put a man on the moon, so this should be no sweat, right?
I am about to leave for 5 weeks. I am leaving my children behind me to do great things for their future. I will return full of passion and commitment. My two passions will not be separate. Instead, they will be driving each other to make me the best teacher and mother I can possibly be.
As a parent, I have learned to be adaptive, unconditional, patient, and persevere (even after sleepless nights and screaming toddlers). These skills will more than help me in the classroom but it is the passion and optimism for transformational change that will continue to guide me. I couldn't be happier serving Seattle in a this greater capacity. My children will benefit from this new journey and it feels so good to be trading in my sweatpants for suits.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Project 365:: day 156
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Project 365:: Day 154
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Project 365:: Day 152
Day 152 Hanna donated an easel to us and Kannon got his first taste of painting. I made "paint" using cornstarch, food coloring, and water. I can't wait to hang his masterpiece!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Project 365:: Day 151
Day 151 Hanna and I met the first week of freshman year almost 8 years ago. We have shared so many wonderful adventures and will share so many more. Yesterday, Hanna packed her car and said goodbye as she is moving to Yosemite National Park. We will miss her dearly!
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