Marianne Goodwin

I have been a teacher for over thirty years because I love to teach. I work in the city of Poughkeepsie where I live and have lived for over twenty years. These are my neighbor's children and I have taught many of the parents of the students that I have in my class today.
I believe every child has a gift and a talent. It is my job to bring out the gifts and talents of the children. My children are strong and resilient. They make the best out of little or nothing. My children have so many more challenges to overcome these days. The neighborhood has had years of turmoil between gangs,drugs and guns. My children have all seen and heard of many casualties that are related to the ills of the current community. Our school building is over 100 years old and has been decaying for years. Our school is limited in resources and space. Despite all of the obstacles that my children and I face on a day to day basis we are a learning community. We know that kindness counts and that will forgive each other when we make a mistake. We know that equity means that we may need a little more or a little less to be at our best. We know it isn't all about fair but about what is just. We know the power of YET and that goals are for us to work towards everyday. We know our dreams belong to us to share when we have a trusting relationship. This is my story too. I have been a teacher for over thirty years because I love to teach. I work in the city of Poughkeepsie where I live and have lived for over twenty... read more