TNTP Essaya

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Recommended: Cultural diversity in the classroom

Question 1: Please answer in 200-300 words.
Nearly all fellows are hired to teach in 'high need' schools that are located in low-income communities. Why do you want to teach specifically in a high need school? What challenges do you expect raising student achievement in your classroom and what experiences have prepared you for overcoming these challenges? Knowing these challenges, what steps will you take to prepare for your first year of teaching in a high need school, and why?

Growing up, I lived in a home where Portuguese and English were used interchangeably. Upon beginning public school, I was labeled an “English Language Learner” before I had a chance to show what I knew. Even after taking a test showing that my English abilities were perfectly proficient, a note was placed in my records that indicated I required further observation. As a young student, I was frustrated. How could I prove myself? Luckily, my parents and teachers were able to advocate for me and prevent a label from defining my education. However, many low-income students do not have that same opportunity. I want to teach in high need schools to ensure that every child receives the same tools for success and is held to the same standard. Low-income students face stereotypes that present major challenges to student achievement. Individual differences and needs are usurped by the idea that all low-income students are the same: unmotivated, uncaring, and destined to fail. When students experience these stereotypes, they risk accepting them as true.
My responsibility as a teacher in a high need school will be to help students see that they are not destined to fail. Teachers should help students realize they have inherent worth and with hard work, they are cap...

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...lieve that the majority of responsibility for student success belongs to teachers. While external factors can certainly influence student success, I think teachers are most responsible. A teacher who motivates students, sets high expectations, and provides tools for progress can profoundly influence their success. While there are limits to a teacher’s control outside of the academic environment, I will make my best effort to engage the support of others to help my students succeed. If I do not receive that support, I will continue ensuring that students receive the highest level of support from me in my classroom.

I'm comfortable seeking support from colleagues.
Not like me at all
Not much like me
Somewhat like me
Mostly like me
Very much like me

Setbacks don't discourage me.
Not like me at all
Not much like me
Somewhat like me
Mostly like me
Very much like me

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