Here is the speech from Eva Isett, the ATDLE Teacher of the Year for 2014. Read her beautiful & inspiring words!
Thank you ATDLE, I accept this award on behalf of all passionate teachers and I know we’re in a roomful of many. I was feeling anxious about this so I wrote a poem to express my gratitude. I hope you like it.
In an East LA barrio is where it began
Daughter of undocumented parents who believed that I can
As I grew up I came to realize my calling was education
To prepare to inspire to positively impact our next generation
I came into this with huge dreams goals and visions of molding young minds
Instead I was met with test prep, ELD folders, assessments, grades,
meetings, you all feel me it’s part of the grind
To say I took this reality with grace would be a huge lie to tell
I felt disillusioned, helpless and I wanted to yell
I decided to take charge, for My journey as a teacher would not become
merely a set of mundane chores
I love my students and teaching; the pasión seeps through my pores
It’s not always easy, to face the obstacles this profession brings
It’s not about being perfect it’s about helping our students find their wings
It’s about helping bring out the critical thinker so they may change the world and succeed
It’s about teaching compassion, kindness, social justice and equity; in their minds and hearts plant the seed
Many of our students’ lives are filled with tragedies and disaster
our job is to help them take charge of their life, rise above; it’s an art they must master
Encourage them to look for injustice and speak out against it
be agents of change; no matter how difficult vow, to rise above they are fit
It’s about helping them see they can be whatever they choose
And that being successful in life is knowing that sometimes you lose
I love our profession we have the power to positively impact so many
let’s always take that with us; a profession like ours there really isn’t any
Gracias a mis padres, los quiero y gracias por inculcarnos a seguir
nuestros sueños
de ustedes aprendí a darle todo mi empeño
To Gorman (Bentley) my mentor who took a chance on me
you encouraged me to try new things as a teacher which helped set me free
My husband and wild children, I love you more than words can explain
you understand my passion for teaching and always help keep me sane
To my students I thank you; together we’ve grown
Each and every one of you I am proud to have known
I am humbled to stand here being awarded for something I know many of you do
Let’s continue our passion and let the love of our students in our heart continue to brew
Thank you, muchísimas gracias ATDLE
June 24, 2014
Speech at the ATDLE Teacher of the Year Luncheon
