Pass the Chalk: The TFA Blog

Bill Ferguson (Baltimore ’05) represents Maryland’s 46th District in the State Senate.

Several weeks ago, a former student of mine sent me a Facebook message. This student is someone who I'd never forget—he's incredibly smart, talented, and motivated, and he stood out as a student committed to his future.

We hadn't connected in awhile, and it was really great to hear from him. In his message, he wrote, "Mr. Ferguson, can you give me any advice on getting into an office environment? I'd love to work on computers. I don't have the 'education/degrees' as proof, but if given the chance, I know I wouldn't disappoint." My immediate thought was, he's right, give him the chance, and he will succeed. He deserves it.

Photo by Øyvind via Wikimedia Commons

Cara Volpe is a member of the 2003 Houston corps.

Cliché as it can seem, there are always a few particular students whose stories you think about and refer to again and again. Often they are the shining successes, the kids and teachers who inspire us and prove what’s possible. But some stories don’t have as happy an ending. . .and there are many whose endings we don’t even know.

When I met Jose, I was a first-year teacher at Jane Long Middle School in Houston, Texas. It was 2003, and on the days I wore a Long MS t-shirt I was often mistaken for a student. I was an idealist, an idealist who didn’t even need coffee to make it through the day at that point in her life. Jose was simultaneously a shining star and what felt like a thorn in my side. In my class, and every other class, he was a case study in disruptiveness, creating constant interruptions, talking back to me and other classmates, and generally diverting attention away from learning.

Photo courtesy of Cara Volpe

Olubunmi Fashusi is a member of the 2011 Teach For America-Baltimore corps.

“Sooooooo, what are you doing next year?”

In the past few weeks, I’ve been asked that question more times than I can count. Each time, my breathing becomes a little shorter and I feel like I’m having a mild panic attack. If only I could spin around a few times and turn into a pile of golden dust like Michael Jackson did in his “Do You Remember the Time?” video. As an alternative, I’m considering carrying a king-sized Twix with me everywhere I go. That way, I can stuff one of the bars into my mouth and make incomprehensible noises while pretending to try to answer the question and secretly praying that my barbaric eating habits disgust my inquisitor to the point that he or she runs away.

If these nosy individuals could read my mind, all they would see is a big, fat question mark. Though I don’t look forward to the anxiety I experience when asked about my future plans, I’m secretly thankful once my pseudo-anxiety attack ends. The question forces me to think about next year.  

Photo by Zdlr via Wikimedia Commons

Five links that made us think this week:

President Obama and Governor Romney have finally put education front and center. Both candidates for the Presidency took their thoughts on higher-ed reform to Time Magazine. I wonder if this adorable video is what inspired them to get the education conversation going?

President Obama provides examples of how his plan has already helped many people across the country attend college, providing ”nearly 4 million more young people scholarships to help them afford their degree. “ If re-elected in November the President promises to work with colleges and universities to cut tuition growth in half and give 2 million workers the resources they need to build their skills at local community colleges.

Governor Romney says we need “to adapt, to compete, to innovate,” and promises he will “work with Congress to achieve fundamental education reform that gives every student the opportunity to succeed.” He also talks about the need to increase college completion rates and reduce financial aid debt. If elected in November, Romney pledges to “provide the leadership we need to meet this crisis head-on.” 

Photo by Muns via WikiCommons.