Everyday is a new chance to get it right

Abstract

Tracie Sanlin taught eighth graders history and physical science at a middle school on the West Coast. Tracie descends from a long line of African American educators, and understands the significance of her elders’ contributions to their communities. By comparing her own enriched schooling experiences with the lower-quality schools that are afforded to many students of color in underserved communities, Tracie wanted to address educational inequality through work as a teacher. A Teach for America corps member, Tracie understood that she needed to immerse herself in learning how to develop her students’ literacy abilities. She focused on writing instruction and deep reading to create socially aware world citizens. She brought critical perspectives to her history class by having her students inquire about the acquisition of land from the perspectives of indigenous people. Tracie also described building trusting relationships with her students’ caregivers.