Eighty-Six Things I Learned at P.S. 86 (Hallie Fox)
This guest post is written by Hallie Fox, who taught in a Bronx (New York City) elementary school–P.S. 86. She was a student in my Fall quarter seminar on “Good School and Districts.” For a final reflective paper, she attached a list of what she learned while teaching at P.S. 86. I was struck by three things in reading the list. First, how complex and totally absorbing is the daily life of an elementary school teacher, second, how important local knowledge is for a teacher to survive and thrive, and finally, a sense of humor is vital to teaching and learning.
I am Hallie Fox – Ms. Fox to most at PS 86. I taught 6th grade inclusion my first year and had a class of 26. My co-teacher and I survived the year together and then went our separate ways. For the next two years I taught 5th grade self contained (12 students in a class) and worked with a wonderful woman (my paraprofessional) Ms. Cintron. PS 86 serves about 1,800 students from preK-6th grade and is about 95% free and reduced lunch. While there, I also coached the running team and planned international and outdoor trips for 5th and 6th graders. I have a MA from Hunter College in Elementary Special Education and a BA from Middlebury College in Political
I am Hallie Fox – Ms. Fox to most at PS 86. I taught 6th grade inclusion my first year and had a class of 26. My co-teacher and I survived the year together and then went our separate ways. For the next two years I taught 5th grade self contained (12 students in a class) and worked with a wonderful woman (my paraprofessional) Ms. Cintron. PS 86 serves about 1,800 students from preK-6th grade and is about 95% free and reduced lunch. While there, I also coached the running team and planned international and outdoor trips for 5th and 6th graders. I have a MA from Hunter College in Elementary Special Education and a BA from Middlebury College in Political
