“Be the change you wish to see.”

Abstract

Clare Rachko describes her early teaching experiences in a combination first- and second-grade classroom at a Catholic school in Phoenix. Having spent four years volunteering in an urban school as an undergraduate student, Clare developed strong social justice leanings by the time she graduated from college with certifications in elementary and special education. She stayed in her teacher education program for an additional year to become certified in reading. Clare brought this knowledge to her first teaching position and created a transformative curriculum that included culturally responsive literature and critical examinations of stereotypes and issues of power. She also worked to balance the teaching of literacy skills with authentic literacy engagements. By linking with students’ caregivers, Clare learned of their unique circumstances, including the undocumented status of some community members.