On the Front Lines

Movies such as Dangerous Minds and Freedom Writers depict white teachers (white female teachers) as heroes who go into inner-city schools and tame angst-ridden teenagers who stopped caring. They wear their pearls and learn how to dance to rap music. Education researchers will tell you that these images fulfill the "teacher myth"--or the apotheosis of white teachers in urban schools. However, there is the "teacher myth"--and then there is the reality.

The reality is that urban schools cannot be reduced to mere images in Hollywood films. The building in which I teach would never make the cut. My students are too real for superficial characterization. And the teachers will readily admit they are no gods.

Yet there is something contagious about the (com)passion so many teachers exhibit for their students and their profession. One teacher in particular, Ms. A., has been an inspiration to me since the first day of school. After teaching Special Education for eight years in four different states, she is the epitome for working relentlessly. She constantly serves as an advocate for her students--legally, professionally, and personally. When a student misses too many days, she checks up on him/her. When a student is struggling with behavior or academics, she is the point person. And when a student has spent his entire academic career slighted by teachers and a crippled education system, she steps up and challenges him. This 8th grade student began the school year on a third grade reading level and, after the magic of Ms. A, scored Proficient on the PSSA in Reading. He now reads on a high school level.

I share a room (technically 1/2 of a classroom) with Ms. A, and have seen her at her best and worst moments. She is one of the few teachers who are not afraid to laugh and cry with students, share triumphs and defeats with coworkers, and continuously increase her effectiveness. Just when I start to lose steam, I look across the room and am reminded of why I am here.

There may never be a movie about Ms. A. Her life is not glamorous enough. She does not wear pearls, dance to rap music, or curse at her students to make a point. But she is real. And when I think of heroes, she is the first person who comes to mind.