During the school years 2002-4, eight Island Academy teachers adapted our curriculum to their own particular teaching style. They gathered In weekly meetings to discuss what they were doing and share student publications.
The teachers brought forth the poems and pictures that lay hidden in their students. It was hard time consuming work, but the teachers looked forward to the excitement on their students’ faces when they received their own publications. At the weekly teacher gatherings teachers took pride in their students’ work. There was story after story of specific students who showed interest in schoolwork after weeks of apathy.
As the first set of books were published, teachers reported that students suddenly came to life, showing off their published books to their classmates. The students were eager to show them to their family and friends.
When students joined the discussion, they spoke about how their teachers encouraged them and how they felt seeing their art and words in print with their names on it. They told of renewed self-esteem, encouragement from teachers, praise from fellow students, and expressed a desire to continue writing and creating art. Some wrote of hoping to study journalism, creative writing or art in college.
The Civil Rights Movement
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