DISD Students to DISD Teachers

I was with another DISD teacher recently talking about our experiences as teachers often do.  The students that cause problems, the funny things they did, the few success stories, and then moved on to the larger problems we see in the district.  The other teacher and I teach at different schools, but face similar challenges day-to-day.  This teacher is different though, because not only does she teach in DISD, she attended DISD schools growing up.  I was listening to this teacher talk about her education growing up and the challenges DISD still faces.  This teacher is frustrated and fearful.  Pain was written across her face as she talked about the lack of progress she has seen.  "Will it ever get better?" she asked several times.  

Many people care about DISD.  Teachers, students, parents, and community members all want to see the district improve.  There has to be change.  I watched a teacher cry because nothing is happening. People that are resistant to change need to realize many of our schools are not preparing our students.  If you do not want to be a part of change, leave.  If you do not want to come up with innovative strategies to help students, go somewhere else.  We need to revamp the district. No matter how hard individual teachers work, larger changes need to take place.  We need to reevaluate our students needs, look at successful districts, and determine what we can do in DISD.  And we need to do it now. I do not want my students sitting down with a friend in 10 years venting about a failing district and the lack of progress.