notes from a three-week teacher

an e-mail exchange between me and a student who was pulled out for not having good enough attendance...

Dear ______:

This is Mr. Fang.  I found out today that you were pulled out of summer school.  I assume that this is because of attendance.  I don't know exactly what your reason for having missed class is, but I hope that everything is alright with you and that you are doing well.

I called Ms ______ (your mother?) twice in the last few days and both times she told me you would be in class.  I've definitely missed having you in my class the last 7 classes.  Receiving the notice of your departure really got me down, and I definitely need to apologize for not giving you the opportunity to share your excellent short story to the class.

Although I cannot do anything about getting you back into summer school, I did want to contact you to let you know that it was my pleasure to have you in my class.  I know Ms. Gladden and I both share the sentiment that you have what it takes to succeed in anything you set your mind to in academics, which includes biology.  You proved that in the week that we were your teachers.  Never let anyone tell you otherwise.

Best of luck in the following school year and in your future (which I know includes college).  Feel free to respond back.  Take care.

Mr. Fang

hello mr. fang

this is why i teach

today is a day for the celebration of a birth of a nation and of freedom.  and as i sit inside the apartments of georgia tech working on my lesson plans and not at centennial park watching fireworks, i can't help but reflect on the complete lack of freedom that many of our nation's children have.  yesterday i had two students pulled from my class because they missed too many days of class.  i found out that one had run away from home and the other was pregnant by who knows what guy.  last friday i had a student miss my class because her friend was shot in what i can only place in the domestic violence category of things.  i have a student who sits 5 feet away from the projection screen because he can't afford to get a pair of glasses, another student still keeping through high school with a one-year-old daughter and some others who are there because it's the last class they need to graduate.  and i know that this is just the start.  in these 2.5 weeks of teaching and in the two years that lie ahead of me, i can't stop but constantly reflect on privilege.  every day i will go from a high school in sw atlanta, where over 80% of students are on free and reduced price lunch, to my suburban home in a developing area with a community pool and tennis court.  that is my privilege.  i have that freedom.  working toward the vision that my kids...all kids...will have that freedom on some fourth of july some day...that is why i teach for america.