In Our Voices (IOV): A 2nd Grade Teacher

• Me: So, how's everything coming along so far since school started back?
• Teacher: Dre', I thought it was bad last year, but this year just takes the cake.
• Me: Wadduyu mean?
• Teacher: Well, last year I had some kids that wanted to learn but were behind the curve. This year, I have kids that don't even want to learn and are even more behind than last year!
• Me: Yeah...I feel for you girl, that sounds tough. What grade do you teach again?
• Teacher: 2nd grade.
• Me: So wadduyu plan to do?
• Teacher: I have to keep teaching the curriculum the state outlines...no choice.
• Me: How far "behind" are they?
• Teacher: You might not believe it, but some kids can't even spell their names!
• Me: Whaaaat? That's crazy! Why would they let kids out of Kindergarten without the ability to spell their names?
• Teacher: Yeah, I don't fully blame the kids in situations like this. And I don't blame the teachers (too much) because I understand the challenges involved. But, yeah, those kids should not be in 2nd grade without knowing the basics.
• Me: Yeah...talk about kids not knowing "the basics"! We gotta help these kids...'Lawd Jesus give us the wisdom to help these kids!!