Half Way through the Summer

Summer is currently in full swing and all I can think about is how I don't want it to end. We are already midway through July and the doom of August is just around the corner. I don't know what I can do to savor the gloriousness of summertime more than I already have, but believe me, I am going to try.

Induction Coordinator
Wow June feels like ages ago already. For the first half of the month I was pulling loose ends together and trying to finish up my 1st year of teaching. Once school ended I jumped right into being a TFA Induction Coordinator. When I applied to be an IC (induction coordinator) I thought that this would be a low key way to learn more about what it is like to work for TFA, while meeting the new 2010 corps members. Little did I know, that my role as an IC would change my perspective on TFA in a huge way. As my 1st year of teaching was coming to a close, I viewed TFA more of a large corporate organization that was chugging along quickly, mowing over anyone in their path. I don't even know where I got this image in my mind, but it was there and guiding my interactions with TFA. When I became an IC, I got to sit in on the staff meetings and see the way they run things. I saw people present well thought out ideas, ask for feedback, then instantly tweak their plans to improve them. I saw the people behind TFA and it opened my eyes to how much time and care is put into each moment. I saw the head of the entire TFA Bay Area asking the ICs for advice and guidance. I heard problems, then I saw people creating solutions. I felt the pressure to create the very best, but I felt supported. The experience humanized the corporation that I previously felt was an unfeeling monster.

The amazing week working as an IC quickly came and went, but left me feeling rejuvenated and inspired. I suddenly remembered the bigger picture of WHY I was teaching in the toughest situations possible. I remembered that I was not alone. I felt privileged that I got this opportunity to gain back the respect I have for the organization that I work with every day. So many corps members still view TFA as a monstrous corporation. I agree with this view, but I want to challenge people to simultaneously see the other side of things; people working 70 hour weeks with good intentions and a good heart.

The IC group has now expanded into another group within the organization that is focusing on building a positive, supportive culture within the 2009 Corps. We are a unsatisfied, disheartened, and disgruntled group that needs to be transformed.

Camp Galileo
After being an IC, I jumped into my real summer job: being a Fashion and Design instructor. I work with 15 other amazing/crazy/hilarious individuals, along with my fashion and design middle school girls (about 18 total). Yes, I love my students and teaching them; they are so motivated and positive about learning how to sew and design. But even more then the kids, I love the staff; they are really good people who are extremely talented and unique. We have teachers, artists, grad students, scientists, homeless sailors, and so many more varieties of weird. I love how much I have learned from these people and many opportunities they have given me to see what lies beyond the teacher world. It is exhausting work teaching 3 hour long classes to rambunctious middle schoolers, but totally worth it.

Life
I am sitting at my desk with a view of a full garden, chirping birds, and blue skies. I am relaxed and glowing on the inside. I am totally transforming into the Berkeley resident (i.e. hippie) that I always wanted to be: farmers markets in the morning, rock climbing in the afternoon, and friend's house tonight. I have work tomorrow and I don't have to plan ANYTHING! Oh glorious scripted curriculum :) The worst part about summer right now, is that it is half over. Here's too another great month of freedom!

<3 Kellee


"See what other's don't"