Here we go!  I'm starting my first year teaching science at the middle school level in just a few days.  I'm equally excited and nervous.  Excited because this is what I've been training to do for the last year and a half.  Nervous because I'll be working in the McCormack School in Dorchester, MA.

From all accounts, this is one of the toughest middle schools in BPS.  The kids all have high needs, and everyone I've talked to, from my direct managers, to the teachers at the school, and the administration has made a point of saying that anyone who can make it through a year here can make it anywhere.  I have heard that some teachers have been assaulted, and that the lunchroom is not considered a safe environment.  Yikes!  With that said though, this is why I'm here.  I think many of these kids have good reason to be angry.  I'm angry too.  Maybe what I'm doing here will help some of these kids learn to channel their anger into productive action that can help change our society one step at a time.

My goal with this blog is to document my experiences over this year to help me reflect on what I'm learning, how I'm doing with the kids, and what I can do better in future.  For now, I will keep this blog to myself... We'll see how it goes over time.

I wish myself luck and good journeys!