Why Teach in Urban St. Louis

Maria DePriest Brown, Teacher, Mandela School, East St. Louis School District 189

"Certainly, there are rewards when any child gains knowledge as a result of your teaching, but how much greater the rewards when you've been instrumental in motivating that child to have a desire to learn.  As I see the students developing more of a love for learning, I know that this is the reason for teaching!"

"The students' needs are so great!  They often need a safe consistent environment, motivation to learn, and a foundation of knowledge and experience on which to build before even starting a lesson." 

"While I came here to teach primarily to help the students, they have really helped me become a more involved, knowledgeable, and creative teacher to most effectively reach each child."

Brandon Goode, observing student, Eastside Learning Institute, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville/  East St. Louis High School

"Working in the East St. Louis High School has been a great experience for both me and the students.  They are enthusiastic about having new people come into their school and are very responsive.  I was surprised and pleased by how they welcomed me." 

"The students are very aware of their environment and the world beyond their own community.  I was amazed by how many students study newspapers prior to their attending School Board meetings, and they ask questions, realizing how Board decisions might affect them.  They really want to be a part of making positive changes."

Katie Houck, observing student, Eastside Learning Institute, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville/  East St. Louis High School

"Working in an urban environment is a fulfilling experience.  It presents situations that have fostered personal development and professional growth."

Stephen Taylor, Career Builder candidate, Fontbonne College/ Sumner High School, St. Louis Public Schools:

"The spontaneity of working with children is why I enjoy working in an urban school.  Every day is different.  Each day is a different adventure."

Donna Honnoll, observing student, Eastside Learning Institute, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville/  East St. Louis High School."

"Teach at an urban school, you must be kidding, right?   No, consider it.  I did my student observations at East St. Louis High School and am now returning this fall to student teach."

"The kids are bright and funny.  Potential is abundant, but dreams are so few.  If you ever had a teacher believe in you when it felt like no one else did -- that's what this is all about."

Marlene Coleman, Career Builder candidate, Fontbonne College/  Vashon High School, St. Louis Public Schools:

"I enjoy working in an urban school because it is a daily challenge. I'm getting a dose of the real world and what my students are faced with every day.  Coming from a small city, I had never been exposed to inner city...."

 Sarah E. Terry, Teacher, Kottmeyer Early Childhood Center, St. Louis Public Schools/ student, University of Missouri-St. Louis

"Teaching in an urban district has many rewards, both personally and professionally.  Certainly, one great advantage is the diversity of students that attend a city school, and in particular, a Magnet school.  In addition to the everyday diversity of individual personalities, many of these children are raised according to different cultural values.  It becomes an equal exchange of learning about each other from each other.  I certainly learn as much from them as they do from me..."