Beyond the Chalkboard

Where does one begin with a woman who brings such intelligence, wit, sensibility, eloquence, and compassion to everything she does in the classroom? I met Rhode (her name means “love” y’all!) when I scouted out the French teachers when I started at Falls Church High School (the French major/Francophile in me was intent on finding every francophone in the building). I wasn’t ready guys! Rhode is not human. Besides speaking who knows how many languages, Rhode finds a way to connect with everyone and everything! Her students sing her praises (“Madame is a superstar” is a commonly uttered phrase) and they flock to her room when they need comfort. She gives grace while also pushing resiliency and teaches beyond her curriculum (surreptitiously using the teaching of Black history to highlight the sociopolitical dimensions of language...yes, Rhode is on another level). I am so thankful for this colleague and friend who encourages me in my work, makes our students feel valued, and finds as much...

I didn’t post last week but I’ll make up for it. We’re leaving the FCHS world and making our way to Williamsburg (home of my alma mater) to meet Amy Chen. Where to start with Amy? Amy came into my life when I started my graduate program in Curriculum and Instruction following my undergraduate studies at William & Mary and she was always there to offer words of warmth and encouragement and the motivation to continue when I questioned my capabilities in the classroom (student teaching can be a demoralizing experience haha). Amy was the Noyce Scholar mentor for the School of Education at William & Mary. The Noyce program provides future STEM teachers an opportunity to learn more about successful practices in high-needs schools and Amy did the most beautiful job in organizing opportunities for us to do observe in all types of school settings and engage in conversations with dedicated and passionate educators. In teacher fashion, she would give us the space to engage with the expe...