Yesterday was my last day at I.S. 666. It was tedious and not sentimental. I saw a few students I worked with throughout the year, but many left early or didn’t show up at all. The end of the school year was long overdue - report cards were turned in long ago and teachers have just been babysitting the last few weeks.
The I.S. 666 experience has made me stronger and more appreciative of good education. It’s true that you don’t know what you have (or what you had) until it’s gone. I wish the best for all kids, but know the typical overcrowded, undermanaged NYC public school is not one that is a safe, nurturing environment conducive to good teaching or learning. That’s a shame.
I won’t miss the way the school is run or the chaos and violence, but I will miss some of the teachers who worked in the trenches with me.
Shout-outz To Some Of My Peeps, Yo!
Mr. C: I was delighted to hear about your promotion to a different academy. I hope you get to teach more and discipline less next year. I enjoyed working with you Friday mornings.
Ms. H: Thanks for helping out when I needed teaching resources or just a magazine to read. You were always grim, but helpful and hilarious.
Mr. C: I’m sure we’ll keep in touch. You make me laugh, and maybe now you’ll give me a side job. Don’t forget I helped you get through grad school with all my paper editing.
Mr. W: I admire how much upheaval you went through this last year, and that you were overall positive through everything. You’re still lined in cynicism, though. Just as you should be.
Ms. A: You aren’t as caustic as you think you are. You see through the b.s. at the school and that’s refreshing.
Mr. F: I loved our long conversations. You were so helpful throughout the year and the most reliable gossip ever.
Ms. D: You had a wonderful group. Thanks for all your support throughout the year. You are one of the most caring and enthusiastic individuals I have ever met.
Mr. C: Don’t hold your tongue…ever. You are one of the most effective, yet undervalued teachers at the school.
Mr. A: A higher-up with lots of class. You made my life easier.
Ms. H: You were encouraging and I enjoyed hearing you reminisce about the school’s better days.
Mr. B: What a hard year you had! I’m glad you’re getting out and exploring the world. Fridays were fun with you.
Ms. W: Go after you goals. You were great at dealing with kids when you got the chance. Find a place where you can work in the foreground and make more of a difference. The potential is in you.
Mr. L: Your kids were great, because of your strong, consistent management. Congrats on a successful first year. I admire your skills.
Mr. M: It was heartwarming to see how much you cared for your kids last year. I think your strength is how approachable and down-to-earth you are with everyone. I’d have loved to have you as a teacher and I enjoyed spending afternoons with you and Jimmy.
points if you can find Paul & Alex in there…