how it all began

Last year, I was really inspired by one of my students, Jason. He would draw superheroes on all of his assignments and rip them out to make "toys."

 

Most teachers would've been frustrated because he wouldn't do his work, but I was too distracted by his creativity. Every single day, I took away Jason's "toys" so he could do his work, but I didn't throw them away! I actually saved them in a folder to give back to him at the end of the year. I showed some of my friends, and they were were impressed by his art as well. 

Victor requested Batman and Joker toys.

Earlier this school year, I was surprised to receive mail from my friend Victor with an envelope addressed to Jason. Inside was a drawing of Gotham City, Batman, and Robin. He also included a note for him. Jason loved it!

Over the next few weeks, Jason would always tell me he had something for Victor. He never gave me anything, so I figured he forgot. Then one day, I saw this sitting on my desk.

I opened it up and read this:

I mailed it to Victor and told him about how Jason's mother had promised to buy him a sketchbook and colored pencils if he got all of his schoolwork done. A couple weeks later, I received this.

We finished it, and it was such a fun collaboration to be a part of! Anyway, I thought it was super cool of Victor to think of Jason, and Jason felt really special to know that someone (other than his teacher) admired his art. So I'm hoping to create more of these friendships through this passion project! Details here.

Work consumes my life, and I've found it hard to maintain personal relationships, especially with most of my friends and family far away. Aside from my stories, I'm not sure how much they know about what I do. So I'd like to invite you into my classroom and give you a taste of what it's like! I've also been searching for a creative outlet, and I thought this was an exciting way to channel that energy.

In addition my personal needs, I have a greater reason for doing this. I am a Special Education teacher at a K-2 primary school on the southside of Chicago, where 96% of students come from low-income households. Many of my kids don't have the same resources that you and I had growing up. In our society, the odds are against them. What does this mean to you? Perhaps nothing, but hopefully something. You have the opportunity to influence some young minds! These are some of the brightest individuals I've ever known, and I need you to meet them. I promise they will inspire you, too.