I am an exceptional teacher. I know it because of the relationships I build w/ students, my classroom management, the learning that takes place, and the JOY I personally experience in the classroom.

But,

I also recognize how I fail miserably at being a good teacher “on paper.” I (thoroughly) plan my lessons, but I don’t submit them. It’s what I’m “supposed” to do, but I’ve never understood why. If you want to see what’s happening my classroom, come in and see. Better yet, ask my students, in the moment.

A student of mine called me a B*TCH A** 🥷 at 7:45 in the morning as I arrived to school. I was completely caught off guard by his comment and felt it was unwarranted, but here’s how it all played out…🧵 I pulled into the school parking lot at 7:45AM, excited to get the day started. As I looked up through the windshield, I spotted three of my 8th grade boys, one of them pretending to hide his face from me. I chuckled, then greeted them with, “Good morning young Black kings!”🤴🏾