On July 23rd, the South Louisiana (SLA) region of Teach For America had its first All Corps orientation where the first year corps members and returning members meet collectively to begin discussion about the journey ahead. During this time, we meet at a school, in this case Livonia High School, and divide into our geographic assignments to meet with the director who will be overseeing our progress as teachers. The director of our location/placement tells us his/her goals and what needs to be accomplished this year. Essentially, it's a heart warming ice breaker and a time for everyone to develop a cohesive vision for the upcoming school year.
This year, it didn't give us that same vibe. In fact, since then, I have felt unsure and fearful of what is to come. I've asked myself repeatedly why I feel such immense stress when school hasn't even begun yet and I'm still in the Summer stretch. But after Evan (my roommate) and I talked tonight, the realization both of us came to was how the All Corps caused us to feel the anxiety. Neither of us felt comfortable with the conviction, or lack thereof, that SLA's office conveyed last Saturday. Instead, it was fear. It was desperation and a lack of hope.
Last year they walked, talked, and acted with strong purpose. Michael Tipton stood at the helm, dapper as could be with his suit and tie. Ella gave a compelling speech about her time in Delta Mississippi and her successes while she taught. Andy Sears had his chin high with his coffee mug at his grasp and legal tablet ready to talk about those Big Goals. Everyone seemed to be filled with a strong connection built by the pillars of Teach For America. That motivated us as first year corps members.
This year, Michael Tipton was directing cars at the Livonia HS parking lot. Andy Sears broke down and admitted to his disability as a child and how a select few teachers gave him the education and faith he needed to excel. Bernadette walked around clearly flustered. Ella explained how students in rural SLA average a 19 on the ACT, which is two below the national average. She also mentioned that ONLY the top 10% kids take the ACT. And the cold spaghetti served stood no match to last year's Jimmy John's subs. All were pronounced signs of a lack of authority and initiative (except the last one, that was just disappointing).
Evan and I agree that, going forward, the fears we feel stemmed from SLA's terror of another failure. After that day and speaking with my school board, I cannot help but feel the doubt they have in our success. There is a lack of faith that has grown over this past summer, and we are walking into a school year where Baton Rouge schools are refusing to hire any more TFA teachers, SLA has branched out to more rural areas to place the incoming members, and school boards are beginning to question the effectiveness of TFA's talent.
The message going forward can't be that we will do anything for the students to provide success. We can't keep giving people an idealistic pitch for why their schools should hire Teach For America corps members. The truth is that these communities are resistant to change. Baton Rouge is one of the most divided communities in the nation and reflects the structure of its smaller surrounding towns. In the 60s they were this way and in 2011 they have not changed. The deep and damaging systemic issues our communities face in South Louisiana go deeper than schools, but carry into every aspect of life. For this reason, what happens now, whether Teach For America is in SLA or not, will continue to happen as long as the people remain closed to change.
So for first year teachers and for any average person, it is easy to say, "Well damn. How the hell are we supposed to accomplish anything?" What are we supposed to achieve when we have this tidal wave of antiquated order engulfing us? TFA SLA has lost a lot of faith from the community, but more importantly, it has lost some faith in itself. As a result, I feel like people are simply crossing their fingers now to hope for the best.
During these trying times, it is easy to victimize oneself, search for pity, or sulk over the adversity. But in this case, a struggle such as this is where Teach For America can thrive. They select a load of raw talent every year ready to give it their all and put forth their utmost commitment. As the community faces us in disappointment, a lack of trust, and/or hostility, there is one thing we must do in return.
...Prove them wrong. To win their hearts and trust back, we must first show them that we are fully capable of teaching a classroom. We are fully capable of taking in less privileged children and offering them a great education. We can confidently face anyone square in the eye with conviction and stand up at any height for the good of Teach For America. We can show communities that Teach For America can bring positive change, and that change will lead to progress.
TFA SLA is freshly squeezed orange juice, sitting in a dirty, foggy, tall glass. It's time to show people it's OK to imbibe, and even better to drink in a clean glass.
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