So, I began my 7 weekend stint with Rise Academy, a local KIPP school, on Saturday– Saturday’s are basically activity classes– I do chess club.

So, needless to say, I’m not working in the real grind of the KIPP network, but I do get to see how it operates.

Honestly, it was inspiring. Kids are SILENT in the halls and teachers are extremely demanding and uniform in what they expect– I never realized how powerful that can be until I witnessed it. The most memorable moment was when I was explaining directions and ended with a “Is that clear?”. The class responded in unison “Crystal”. Ah, it was so unexpected and beautiful at the same time.

The greatest part? It gives me the momentum and inspiration to carry out such discipline in my own classroom. Like, I’ve been a stickler about them entering without talking, lining up w/o talking, walking in the halls w/o talking, etc. I feel supported even if it’s half way across the city…. Wierd, but kinda cool