Living A Life I Love

According to recent polls, only 4% of Americans love their jobs. I'm happy to announce that I am definitely a part of that four percent. I work at a unique school as a 5th grade science teacher. My school is built on unique principles surrounding learning. I believe in these philosophies and they drive my unyielding desire to work hard for my students each day. The days are long. Really long! I typically work (both at home and school) for about 14-hours each day. Despite the long hours and demanding nature of the job, the greatest reward is seeing the growth our students make. This growth assures me that each day I work for a purpose larger than my own. I am changing lives with each paper I grade, lesson I plan, minute I spend with these hard working exemplary college prep students.

Here's a snippet from our foundation's website:

Who we are. KIPP is a national network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public schools with a track record of preparing students in underserved communities for success in college and in life. There are currently 66 KIPP schools in 19 states and the District of Columbia serving over 16,000 students.

What we do. KIPP builds a partnership among parents, students, and teachers that puts learning first. By providing outstanding educators, more time in school learning, and a strong culture of achievement, KIPP is helping all students climb the mountain to college.

Why it matters. Every day, KIPP students across the nation are proving that demography does not define destiny. Eighty percent of our students are low-income, and 90 percent are African American or Latino. Nationally, more than 90 percent of KIPP middle school students have gone on to college-preparatory high schools, and more than 80 percent of KIPP alumni have gone on to college.

[from http://www.kipp.org/]

Relocating back to Texas was a great decision. I couldn't be happier.

For Starters - Here's Our Story

Born in Houston to April Morris and Michael Eaglin on July 18, 1985. She was the first grandchild to O.C. and Amelia Eaglin. They provided for and loved baby Jessica from the very start. Jessica was fortunate to attend one of the best private elementary school’s Houston had to offer, Annunciation Orthodox School. After which, Jessica went on to experience the distinctly different public school sector. She attended Cullen Middle School and the High School for Law Enforcement. Jessica quickly realized how fortunate she was to be so well educated by AOS at a young age. This rich educational experience fostered a desire in Jessica to change the current state of public education in this country. To pursue her dreams, she marched forward and on full-scholarship Jessica obtained her Bachelor’s from the University of Texas at Austin. This exemplary institution for higher learning is where Michael and Jessica met. Upon graduating from UT Jessica desired to continue her education before diving into her aspired educational public policy career. On a full scholarship to the University of San Diego, Jessica left her home, family and friends to obtain her Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership.

Michael McGehee was born in Austin Texas to Charles and Pamelia McGehee on December 2, 1984. Michael was the first of two boys to his parents. The family settled in Austin to raise the young bright and inquisitive Michael. Michael had an affinity for planes at an early age fostered by his dads shared love of flying. As a child, Michael spent many weekends with his dad flying around the outskirts of Austin. Michael attended Elementary, Middle and High School in the Del Valle school district. He was very gifted academically and fostered a love of science and astronomy. Michael also developed a love of reading at a very early age. His other hobbies include working on cars, watching historical documentaries and persuing Half Priced Books. Michael obtained his Bachelor's in government from the University of Texas at Austin. Michaels decided his love of reading history would serve him well as an attorney. Thus he held high aspirations of becoming a highly successful lawyer. Upon graduation Michael relocated to San Diego, CA to work at and attend the University of San Diego Law School.

While in San Diego, Jessica found it very difficult and saddening that she could not find time to see her family back in Texas. Concurrently, after a few short months, Michael quickly realized law was not his passion. He then began to reflect on his childhood dream of flying fighter jets. As time continued to pass and the Christmas holiday came and went, Michael and Jessica settled on the idea to relocate back to Texas. Equipped with the separation from family coupled with Michael’s newly discovered ambition to fly jets, Michael and Jessica journeyed back to Texas to be near family. Since Michael has been working diligently toward achieving his dream of flying for the United States military. Upon returning to Texas, Jessica quickly decided it was time to jumpstart her public policy career. Jessica has began to develop her philosophy on education in the public sector while serving as a teacher in a non-traditional charter school, KIPP: Austin College Prep. (In fact, a picture of Jessica is featured on the school's homepage. Check it out: http://www.kippaustin.org/ )