Gangster's Paradise

Summer vacation has given me a lot of time to think about my future career as an educator. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't extremely nervous for my student teaching position in the fall. There is a lot hanging on the line. Kids. Their futures. Their feelings. All important and vital, and I'm put in charge.

It has come to my attention that it is hard for teachers to find jobs. Wait, what?! I had no idea, or maybe I did. Maybe it's common knowledge or maybe it's the countless people who have felt it their duty to inform me. I'm not sure. The reality is there.

On one of my most recent interactions with someone concerning my lack of a future in teaching (due to the economy of suburban jobs), I had the ability to share with them just "what's up". Would it be stellar to work in a suburban district? Uh, yes! Would I be safer? Definitely. Would I be more respected? More than likely, but during my time teacher assisting in an inner city school I realized for sure where my heart is to teach. Inner city. These beautiful kids see backs all their lives. People walking in and walking out when it got too tough. I'm not trying to sound all preachy and above myself; I'm just trying to convey the truth that inner city kids need good teachers too. Why should they keep getting the secondhand books, desks and other materials? Why should they keep getting the teachers that are burned out? They shouldn't. They are just as worthy as any, and their socioeconomic status should not dictate their education.

I recently got my hands on some "old-school" rap music. (dirty little secret) I have been listening to the song, "Gangster's Paradise" by Coolio. As a future educator it is imperative for me to be aware of how my students live, how they think and most importantly, how they feel. I have heard this song a million times, but a few lines struck me a bit more deeply this time around:

                       "They say I got ta learn, but nobody's here to teach me
                          If they cant understand it, how can they reach me?
                          I guess they cain't -- I guess they won't
                          I guess they front; that's why I know my life is outta luck, fool"--Coolio

If they can't understand it, how can they reach me? They can't. Teachers need to get to know their stduents in order to teach them.

It is my prayer to love on kids, reach them so that their life won't be "outta luck". They are worth it, and I have been called to serve.

Amen.