Hello everyone...or no one as it were at the moment. We just want to explain the purpose of this blog before we get going. I'm Lily and he's James. We are inner-city high school teachers on the East Coast. We work in the same public school district, but in different schools. Over the course of our careers we have come to realize a few things about education, and, if you care to read, we have some reasons for writing:
1. No one truly knows what teaching is really like unless you're actually doing it. We can tell our families and friends stories and they gasp and laugh and do all the things great audiences are supposed to do, but despite all the stories...they have no idea. Despite this, we can still give non-teachers a better idea, and communicate with other teachers. We just want to tell whoever wants to read our ramblings some stories and give you a better idea about what teachers do/put up with/think/etc. I know you're thinking "Hey, I went to high school! I know what teachers do." So did I, my friends. So did I. Then I started teaching right out of college and realized I was absolutely clueless. James heard my stories for three years before beginning his brave foray into the world of education. He thought he knew what was coming, but still had some shocks during his first year.
2. Education is a hot-topic issue in our country right now, and everyone has a theory about what the problem is and what the solutions should be, but no one is talking to teachers, whom, as #1 mentions, are the only people who really know what's going on. (Okay, that was a little arrogant, but take it with a grain of salt. I meant something more along the lines of "Teachers probably know what's happening in education a little better than politicians with no educational background." Something like that.)
3. As urban high school teachers we are exposed to many other social issues that are affecting our students. Things a lot of people think only happen on TV shows like The Wire. Spoiler alert: those things happen in real life too. Everyday.
4. Pure entertainment value. Our jobs are difficult and sometimes thankless, but also funny as hell.
Welcome to This Ain't Freedom Writers.
Ahhh!! I'm so excited to read about the inner workings of a couple of big-city high schools and the funny-as-hell stuff that goes on. It will be interesting to see how you, Lily and James, stay sane dealing with students, parents, and administration.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!! Let's go!