You say the Fellow's only 22?

Well, I'm sitting here, an English teacher, proctoring the Chemistry Regents exam. (My father would have something to say about it... "That's New York City for ya...") These kids are being quiet and well behaved. That is so refreshing and is a very good sign. BUT – we only had about 20 out of the 30 that were supposed to be in my room. It's NOT a good sign.

There's a weird thing about the Teaching Fellows. They're all 22. If you read the website, or see the ads on the subway, or wherever they advertise, they try to get you in the door under the idea that "it's time for a change." One of their slogans asks, "How many lives did your last spreadsheet save?" They try to appeal to professionals in other fields to fulfill their life-long dream of teaching. Well, let me tell you... it doesn't happen that way.

Oh, there are a few... a few older - MORE EXPERIENCED people who really do want to try something new. Former ad-execs or even, gasp, LAWYERS who are tired of their rat race.

But for the most part, that is not the case. For the most part, I work with a bunch of 22 year olds.

Now don't get me wrong... there is nothing - NOTHING wrong with someone 22 years old. Hell, I was once 22 a million years ago. But these are kids who have JUST GRADUATED COLLEGE. They haven't done ANYTHING before this. I mean, some of these students are 19 - 20 years old... 22 is like DATING range for these kids. And please don't misread me... some of these young teachers are absolutely outstanding. In fact, walls of the room I'm sitting in is plastered with projects, poetry terms, collages, etc. This teacher, 24 years old. They have great ideas, great energy... but there is a problem. These tough, Bronx youngsters don't always take them seriously. I have to admit, as a 33-year-old, MALE to boot, I don't seem to have as many classroom management problems as my younger counterparts. So where does that leave a city desperate for teachers?

I am a smidge envious though. I admire these kids having their shit together enough to have the start of a career at such a young age. I have to admit, the money I am making now, is THE MOST MONEY I have ever made in my life. Granted, that's not saying a lot, but to be making this much money at 22? I commend them on that at least. I certainly was nowhere near that at 22.

Another thing, my school has about 25 English teachers. This September alone, about 11 were new hires, 10 of which were first year teachers. Sure, times might have been rought, but NOT one "freaked out" and quit, never to return. Of course we are losing some between now and September, but everyone in my department at least managed to stick it out all year.