Urban Education

Today was the first day of our interim expedition where we got a chance to interact with kids. Each of the students on the UE Interim spent the morning connecting with students in a classroom (or two) to which they were assigned. It was a 'short' day, since we were in classrooms for the first half of the day. On the other hand, we started the day by arriving at CTA at around 7:15 am. All students reported 'thumbs up' to the idea of finally getting to interact with real kids. The tours of schools in Chicago, including interacting with administrators and school leaders, was excellent. There is nothing like spending time with real kids, however. Spending time in classrooms was a 'hoot.'

Over the summer, CTA moved to its new home on Center Street in Milwaukee. The new school is terrific, housing classrooms in two buildings, an upper school (3rd through 9th) and a lower school (K4-2nd). The facility is bright, spacious and holds comfortably multiple sections of each grade. And, since technically the school is part of the Milwaukee Rescue Mission's program, it is considered to be part of a MRM's North Campus. This means that in addition to the school occupying the new buildings, there is a daycare and other programs to assist families that are experiencing or are at risk to experience homelessness.

This afternoon we spoke with Dr. William (Bill) Henk, Dean of the College of Education for Marquette University. He spoke with us for about 75 minutes, providing contours of challenges and opportunities for urban education in Milwaukee. He shared a deep understanding and commitment to teaching students well in the urban community, relying on enhancing Milwaukee Public Schools, while supporting the development of effective charter schools and schools of choice. While the picture he painted of urban education was not rosy, he provided hope for the future in the form of strong, visionary school leaders and energetic, passionate, and committed teachers. He called the urban educator a "hero" of education and suggested that this work is a calling and one from which much satisfaction, if not heart-ache, can be gleaned. As I walked him out of the building, he reminded me that the true hope for urban education was seated around the table in our meeting room this afternoon: the women and man who are here at CTA to expand their understanding and commitment to educating children and youth in the urban community.

This evening we met over supper with two men who are currently in the MRM program. They shared with us their story of what brought them to live in MRM and to be a part of the MRM program of recovery. They shared their story with confidence that comes from understanding their journey and the development of confidence that they are not alone in handling the challenges and the joys of life. They credited the men and women of the mission who advocate for and with them as they work to uncover the reasons for their homelessness and to chart a plan for recovery. Of course, they spoke eloquently and with passion about a new and a deep relationship with Jesus Christ from whom they draw peace and hope for the future.

As I write this at the end of the day, I feel the tiredness of a day filled with activity, talk, and reflection. All in all, another good day on the urban education trail.