Each year, millions of teachers and students across the country head into the classroom. Meanwhile, Congress is discussing the reauthorization of the controversial No Child Left Behind legislation. The following excerpt from my new rookie teacher memoir, The Great Expectations School, chronicles my turbulent first day leading a fourth grade class at the Bronx’s P.S. 85 — the very kind of class that NCLB ideally aims to help.
This month, millions of teachers and students across the country are heading into the classroom to begin a brand new school year. Meanwhile, Congress is discussing the reauthorization of the controversial No Child Left Behind legislation. The following excerpt from my new rookie teacher memoir, The Great Expectations School, chronicles my turbulent first day leading a fourth grade class at the Bronx’s P.S. 85 — the very kind of class that NCLB ideally aims to help.
On the first day of school, I woke up at 5:05, methodically showered and dressed, purchased a bagel at the corner bodega, and boarded the F-train. I strode through the P.S. 85: Great Expectations School entrance with a quickened step, distributing “good mornings” to everyone I saw.