Prompt 5
What is your why?
— Deborah Bartley-Carter
walking in the snow
This photo of the students walking in the woods on a snowy day is a huge part of my why. I took a group of students camping for the first time. It was unseasonably cold for camping but the school district did not cancel the trip. We stayed in cabins and did activities that were mainly indoors. I enjoyed seeing the students light up with excitement and wonder when the bus pulled up to the campsite. No one knew what to expect and that was the beauty of it all. At the moment we were all learners. Place based learning is the “why” for me. I walked away from the experience with a better understanding of the land and how important it is to have a place to retreat to that is quiet and connected us all together.
— Myra Bellamy
books
These are a few of the various books from my library. I want to expose my students to diverse literature, helping them become active, enthusiastic readers. I want them to see a reflection of themselves. I want them to be comfortable with reading in their native language and find books that they can read with their younger siblings and parents.
— Malika Johnson-Willis
the note
This note is my “why.” When students know that I am there for them any time it means that I have succeeded. Making sure that I have direct relationships with children means everything to me.