Most AU students share a commitment to service and a desire to have a positive impact on the world around them. But what does it really mean to make a difference and how do you go about doing it? That was the question I struggled with when I graduated from the School of International Service in 2006. I always recognized that my education and degree were a privilege that many Americans are not given, but I finally understand that my greater privilege comes from what I am able to do with that education. It wasn’t until a couple of years after graduation that I realized the opportunity to serve others could be found not just in countries around the world but right in my own community. Now, as a teacher in Prince George’s County public schools, I feel the impact and significance of my work every day. What I do matters. It matters because although Prince George’s County schools have seen tremendous growth in the past few years, our diverse student population still faces a devastating achievement gap. The county is in need of dedicated educators who believe in the potential of each and every student and are passionate about serving their community.
The achievement gap is pervasive in Prince George’s County. For the past three years, African American and Hispanic middle school students have not made adequate yearly progress on standardized math and reading tests. Elementary, middle and high school students who qualify for free or reduced lunch have not made adequate yearly progress on reading tests for two of the past three years. Many of our students struggle daily with the reality that graduating from high school and attending college simply will not come as easily for them as it does for students in more affluent communities.
Everyday, I wake up and confront this achievement gap alongside my students. Nothing could have prepared me for the challenges I face as a first year teacher. I arrive at school early and leave late, and any free time not spent teaching is spent planning lessons, grading papers and thinking about the best way to reach my students. They count on me to be in the classroom every day and to believe in their abilities even when they don’t. I have never worked so hard, but I have also never been so inspired and motivated by the work I do. I’m not alone in my efforts. I am part of a cohort of 81 individuals who share my passion and dedication. Education needs more people who are willing to dedicate their time and energy towards closing the achievement gap and ensuring a better future for our children.
The Prince George’s County Teaching Fellows (PGCTF) Program is a unique initiative of Prince George’s County public schools designed to recruit, select and train outstanding midcareer professionals and recent college graduates to become teachers in the schools in our community that need them the most. PGCTF is currently recruiting for the 2010-2011 cohort and will continue to recruit through March. I urge AU students to answer the call to service and join the community of teaching fellows who are committed to raising student achievement in Prince George’s County.
We’re a community and it takes a community to raise student achievement. Accept this challenge and teach. Apply now via www.pgcteachingfellows.org.
Debra Arsenault SIS 2006
