A Hitch in the Fire Department Presentation
Several members of the District of Columbia Fire Department visited our school today to give a presentation on career options to the senior class. In short, joining DCFD is a way to secure a job and a...
View ArticleOverheard in a Nearly Empty Classroom…
Student 1: “Killers” is the realest. They call him the modern day Tupac. Student 2: Tupac? Who’s Tupac? Everyone else: #$!#!%#!!!@@%!!#!*& WHAT!?!?! (small riot ensues) Student 3: I’m dead serious...
View ArticleA Student Raps About His Teacher
One of my students is an aspiring rapper. He’s so serious about music that he doesn’t want to go to college; rather, he’d like to make mixtapes and hit the rap circuit pronto. Recently, this student...
View ArticleWhat the End of the School Year is Really Like
This time last year, I entertained this fantasy that, on the final day of school, I’d give an inspiring speech to my students about everything that they’d learned and how I wished them all the best in...
View ArticleMaking the Transition from Corps Member to Alum
Alumni Induction is a milestone for most CMs, symbolizing two years of hard work, much of it thankless, some of it agonizing, and all of it memorable, and ushering in the opportunities, whatever and...
View ArticleOverheard Outside a DCPS Staff Bathroom…
Teacher: “Good morning, [custodian's name]! Sorry to bother you, but I have a request. Is there any toilet paper? The staff bathroom is out.” Custodian: “You know what? We’re actually really low on...
View ArticleWhen You Know It’s Really Over…
Two photos of my classroom, one taken… Before taking stuff down: and one taken… After taking stuff down (with the help of student labor): It’s been a great two years here in DCPS. Though there are...
View ArticleOn Being a Man of Color in Education
Last Friday, I walked out of my classroom for the last time. Two years of teaching, done, just like that. Though I still haven’t had the chance to process that last day I will do so soon. This is, I...
View ArticleThe Meaning of a High School Diploma
I’ve been away from this blog for a bit. I’m making that final push at the end of my first year of law school. Classes are over and my first exam begins within 48 hours. But I wanted to share...
View ArticleOverheard in Chipotle…
“You were a real nice teacher, Mr. K!” -T.R., former student, after chatting with me for the first time in 2 years. I’m working in DC for the summer, and I’m living in the same neighborhood as before....
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