Plan of Action:

As a student who has matriculated through Oakland public schools, as a teacher who has seen the dichotomy of schools that need resources but do not receive adequate support, and as a parent of an Oakland student, I am aware that creating a strong community is essential to transforming Oakland. When a strong community is proud of their values, it creates a desire for students to be successful and maintain the values of that group. For example, at Edna Brewer Middle School, where most teachers wear some form of “Panther Pride” clothing, the community’s pride in their school spills over to the students who wear red Panther shirts with a matching cap. Core values such as compassion, creativity, and knowledge, are the same values I hope to instill in my own classroom. In addition, Brewer’s API reflects their approach to learning as evidenced by consistently improved test scores.

My credential program at California State University, East Bay, has provided an opportunity to observe and teach at various schools throughout the Bay Area. I try to emulate the great teaching style of Mr. John Rosa, a fifth grade sheltered English teacher at La Escuelita Elementary School. I also taught for three months with Ms. Mallorie Baron’s first grade dual immersion class at Cragmont Elementary School in Berkeley, where I learned about the possibilities of having parental support to provide a streamlined educational experience for first graders, while the students enjoy having their parents in the classroom. Since January 2008, I have been in Mrs. Gloria De La Cruz’ fourth grade class at Allendale Elementary School in East Oakland, where I have demonstrated more effective teaching and discipline strategies for urban youth.

In my own classroom, I plan to be supportive in necessary ways and implement strategies that are community-based, constructivist, and goal-driven. Working as a counselor for homeless youth, I understand what can happen if certain support systems are not in place for students at crucial points in their life. I know first hand what kinds of opportunities exist for low-income youth living in Oakland, even those who have been negatively affected by the recreational availability of alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, and more increasingly, methamphetamines. My goal is to instill values and life goals for those students before they are approached and led astray. Hopefully, with my direction, students will not be distracted and will be able to reach their goals in life.