Urban Educators Institute '08 (Day One)

"Montclair State University has done so much for the city of Newark..."
- Claude Bey, Principle of University High School, Newark NJ

Today, members of our class visited Maple Avenue Elementary School and University High School in Newark, NJ. We were joined by educators and administrators from various schools of Newark, faculty of Montclair State University, as well as students from the participating schools. Offically labeled the "Urban Educators Institute," our communal goal and task at hand was defining what's RIGHT with urban education. This was the first day of three; tomorrow and Wednesday's visitors will experience the likes of Franklin, McKinley, First Avenue, and Arts High.

Through a slew of presentations and roundtable discussions (and a lot of tasty, free grub), a lot was dissected and addressed- namely the myth-like assumptions created by external anxieties and attitudes toward urban education. These were obviously two exemplary schools of an inner-city area; both schools seemingly exhibited a pride and educational drive atypical to public opinion about urban schools. What I observed were two well-oiled intellectual machines: Maple Avenue School was led by a fierce and compassionate principle and teacher-driven goals for the "Whole Child," while University High School was very much self-sufficient through its own cultural pride and diversity. Walt Kaczka claimed that "the students and teachers are embedded in its culture." Both schools fostered hope and a will for their students to achieve beyond the social limitations of inner-city struggle.

One thing I found particularly interesting was the fact that University High School was a school of choice, meaning that students would essentially belong to schools within schools, or "academies." According to Principle Bey, "Students are looking at high school programs that fit their career goals." In this respect, children are engaging rather early in an intelligence they choose to exploit. One specific example discussed was the construction of a "state of the art courtroom," where children belonging to the Law Academy can recreate the realities of justice in a natural setting. Also, within this specific academy, students work with law firms and attorneys through internships and partnerships to better equip themselves with the rigors of law. Did you know this was happening in Newark? It's amazing.

Today was eye-opening... a rude awakening of sorts. Since Newark, to me, has always been some tangential myth embodying some petty car-thief ideology and fear, both schools provided a well-needed breath of fresh air. I was able to get a first-hand account of the workings of both schools- the positive and progressive measures being taken by faculty and administration to strengthen the minds of their students. The UEI provided that some of the struggles encapsulating these schools were universal and it subsequently furthered my understanding that Newark schools dealt with the same problems suburban and rural schools deal with on a daily basis. Deneen Washington, principle of Maple Avenue School, perhaps illustrated this best when she mentioned that the greatest challenge was "having students believe they can achieve." This is a common goal all schools wrestle with, and should be the greatest challenge we continue to face up to as future educators.

Some images from the day's events:
Walking through the halls of Maple Avenue's K-2 building

"Progressive Writing Wall" literacy project, Maple Avenue School

A tree planted and maintained by Maple Avenue School students

Johanna and I, two of the "Irons." Apparently, according to Monopoly theory, we "love to compete."

Eve, joyously adventuring to University High School! This was the first time I have been in a school bus in about 8 years... It certainly brought back some strange memories.

The roundtable discussion at University High School