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Greater New Orleans
Spotlight On: Kari Detwiler
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Corps Year: 2008 |
Images of Greater New Orleans (GNO) on the news suggest that the city is still suffering the effects of Katrina. What is your everyday life like?
Every morning on my drive to school in New Orleans East, I pass by FEMA trailers and homes devastated by Katrina. Three years later, the devastation of the storm is still apparent everywhere in the city. I think many aspects of the city are still recovering from the effects of Katrina and when Hurricane season descends upon us at the end of summer/early fall, my students will likely be reminded of the devastation of the storm.
How have your students been affected by Hurricane Katrina?
As a first grade teacher, my students are between the ages of five and seven. My students were between the age of two and four when Katrina struck and while they don't have lucid memories of the Hurricane and subsequent floods, they are very much aware of the effects of Katrina. Sometimes during conversations in the classroom they will bring up memories of flood waters, losing their pets, and evacuating the city. We try not to dwell on these memories but it is clear to me that my students were deeply affected by the Hurricane.
What is it like to teach in Greater New Orleans?
Greater New Orleans is a diverse place in and of itself in terms of teaching. Corps members are spread throughout four parishes, and in Orleans Parish, corps members teach in Charter Schools and in the Recovery School District. The Recovery School District has received a lot of national press lately about its innovative efforts to improve education in New Orleans. In particular, this year we have extended the school day to 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and teachers received a managed curriculum to use in classrooms. I find it invigorating to work within the Recovery School District under the leadership of an inspiring District Superintendent. I appreciate teaching on the cutting edge of education reform. My students are warm, welcoming, and excited to come to school, so that is an added bonus.
How has your life changed as a Greater New Orleans corps member?
I joined Teach For America as a corps member with seven years of professional experience in New York City and abroad. I made the move to Greater New Orleans as someone who had been out in the working world for a while, a woman with graduate school loans, a serious relationship, and about to make a big career shift to teaching. My life has definitely changed. The professional pace of life here is different than working in a big city and the nature of teaching is a lot more personal and hands on. I spend a lot of time lesson planning and organizing my classroom but have also found time to take advantage of everything New Orleans has to offer.
Do you feel safe and secure where you live?
Yes, absolutely! Like any city, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take responsibility for one's safety. For example, choosing not to walk alone in certain areas of the city at night. The best of piece of advice someone gave me about living in New Orleans was to greet everyone you pass by on the street and remain positive and friendly. As newcomers to a city, I recommend introducing yourself to your neighbors and expanding your comfort zone beyond the confines of your home and immediate surroundings.
What do you love the most about living in Greater New Orleans (GNO)?
I love the diversity of our corps and how it is possible to meet brand new faces in a large group every time we all gather for a professional development event. There are so many interesting individuals with fascinating stories here and I find it inspiring to think that we are all here, teaching and working towards the same goal. I also love the spirit and pride of this city. New Orleanians are proud of their home and I feel privileged to be a part of the same pride and spirit.
What assumptions did you have about Greater New Orleans before you joined Teach For America? How has your perception changed?
Before I joined Teach For America, I expected my school to be completely under-resourced and falling apart. Our school was flooded during Katrina and completely renovated in the following year. I feel fortunate to be at one of the newest schools in the Recovery School District and to have one of the most supportive and caring principals. It is clear that the staff at my school are committed to improving the education of our students and making the best of a difficult situation. Surprisingly, our classrooms are well stocked with books, school supplies and our photocopier actually works! While I know that many challenges lay ahead in my next few years here, it is comforting to know that I have the support and commitment of faculty at my school.
