i always think of my role as one that has implications beyond the classroom. my every day actions must be ones that actively shape a world that affirms each of my students. at my school, 98 percent of our students are black. most of our teachers are white women, many of whom live outside of philadelphia. other schools within our district follow this trend.

i want to shape a reality that will allow my students to have a position like mine one day if they so please. this means that my actions must assist in the cultivation of the economic, environmental, and social health of the neighborhood i teach in. this means within the neighborhood, i have a favorite corner store and book store. i know the bus routes, and sometimes even use them to arrive at school. i volunteer at the local career center during tax season, and my church is just one mile away.

the neighborhood your school is in, the neighborhood your students live in, shouldn’t just be a place where you clock in, clock out, get your cheque, and go.

favorite teachers show up, they maintain a presence. you can find them grocery shopping.

favorite teachers attend concerts and plays, and they pay attention wherever they may be present.

favorite teachers don’t have to be funny, charming, or have the raddest lesson plans either. they just have to be there.

show up to pick your students up from lunch early, or even eat lunch with them in the cafeteria. on another day, refrain from zooming off campus as soon as the bell rings. stay an extra fifteen minutes or half hour to wave students goodbye at dismissal, even if the students you are waving off are not “yours”. pro-tip: they’re all yours.

it ALL counts. there is no day, no time on this earth, when giving love will ever be done in vain.