“Wuh-un-der-ful. Wonderful!” Francisco called out the word with excitement. Then he said, “Ms. Cannon, I can read now!” I affirmed his success and celebrated with him. At the beginning of the year, Francisco had struggled to connect any sounds with written letters. We saw an incredible amount of growth in just a few months. Celebrating that growth is precisely the reason I love teaching.
Growing up, I had four wooden school desks in my basement. Playtime meant lessons and homework for my friends. As far back as I can remember, I have always wanted to be a teacher. Today, my teaching reaches children whose home life and economic situation are not conducive to academic success. Each of my students deserves a chance to learn and grow. Despite the obstacles stacked up against my students, they persevere and consequently receive a quality education that will really take them places.
— Amy (Cannon) Donnell '10, Teach for America, 2010 Corps Member
