Teacher Talk
What have you learned on a personal level while currently teaching in New Orleans?“I have learned that there is no where else I’d rather be, and that kids are incredibly resilient. I have also learned that Katrina impacted my ability to manage stress.”
“I have learned that you have to be really organized.”
“That I have a lot left to learn.”
“How much this city really means to me and its people.”
What did you expect of teaching in New Orleans after the hurricane?
What was unexpected? What surprised you the most?
“I expected things to be somewhat chaotic in terms of students’
and teachers’ ability to reestablish a normal notion of school in such
abnormal conditions. I did not expect the continuous stream of new students
on a daily basis. I thought people would either start the semester with us or
wait until the next school year. I was really surprised at the rate and number
of kids returning.”
“I expected a range of emotions. I wasn’t prepared to deal with
so much anger [and I was surprised at] how needy (academically) the kids were.”
“Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t think we
would have as many students, but I am glad we do. Because of what we went through,
nothing post-Katrina really surprises me.”
What changes have you noticed on a day-to-day and/or big-picture
basis in terms of teaching before and after the hurricane?
“I have had to develop shorter and even more engaging lessons to combat
the lowered attention span and increased agitation of the students.”
“I have noticed more behavior problems after the hurricane.”
“I think we became closer because of the storm - much emotion has come
out from all of us. “
What has been the most noticeable change in terms of student behavior
and performance since the hurricane?
“I have noticed a significant change in the ability to focus on something
for long periods of time. Homework has been a real issue. A lot of students
don’t have the space or light to complete it. Kids get irritated more
quickly than usual and for middle school that is pretty quick.”
“I have noticed students have behavior problems and have not mastered
some of the skills required at their grade level.”
“Students are more on edge, easily set off. They also seem more aware
of things to worry about, not as carefree.”
What have you learned on a professional level while currently teaching
in New Orleans?
“I am really struggling to always find the appropriate response to deal
with students behaviorally in order to de-escalate situations and increase academic
performance and appropriate behavior.”
“I have learned to be a little more creative to motivate my students.”
“To be flexible and multi-task.”
“Honestly, not to sweat the small stuff. To be able to see the big picture.”