Its been about a month since I've started teaching, and I can honestly say that Institute--our so-called "5-week intensive training"--was a bust. Standing in front of 6 4th graders for 45 minutes a day does not compare to the craziness of 7 hours at Tilden Middle School. For one, something demonic happens to children between 4th and 6th grade. Those who check my facebook profile have seen only a mere fraction of my experience. In a month of school, we have yet to even open our Social Studies book, we have stalled at the 3rd lesson in chapter 1 in Math; Reading equals naptime for many; and Science? What science?; In the words of my comrade, Ms. Lyon, "Do you ever feel like you're the achievement gap?"

Yes, Ms. Lyon. Everyday.