Lately, I’ve been getting a lot of questions about my job. I tend to shy away from talking about work on Kelly in the City just because blogging is something I do to satisfy that other part of me–the part that isn’t a teacher. Nevertheless, I thought I’d answer a few of the questions I’ve been getting most often! ;) (And today seemed to be the perfect day, as these photos were taken around the corner from my school.)
Dress: McGinn Collection (c/o) (Slightly different version, but so similar! The version I’m wearing comes out in spring 2014.) / Bag: Kate Spade (Sold out), similar here and here / Bracelets: Fornash (c/o), Julie Vos via Tuckernuck (c/o), and J.Crew (Old), nearly identical here* / Boots: Franco Sarto (Old), loving this newer version, though (Have I mentioned how comfy Franco Sarto boots are?!) / Necklace: Kate Spade / Watch: Kate Spade, also available in pink. Bracelet version: gold, silver, white, orange, black, and rose gold / Sunnies: Kate Spade (Sensing a pattern here?) / Earrings: J.Crew*, cheaper version here / Lipstick: Clinique (in “Pudgy Peony.”) / Tights: HUE
*Take 25 percent off your order with code “GETGIFTING”
Where do you teach, and what grade and subject do you teach? I teach at a large public middle school in the South Bronx. While I taught eighth grade English Language Arts for my first six years at my school, I now teach seventh grade ELA. I really like it. I spend a lot of time teaching the persuasive essay and discussing high-interest teen books!
Did you always know you wanted to be a teacher? No. In college, my heart was set on journalism. I envisioned myself writing human interest stories for the New York Times. As a recent college grad, I moved down to the Big Apple to take a position as an online news editor at a trade magazine. I wasn’t feeling fulfilled in my position, so I applied to the New York City Teaching Fellows (similar to Teach for America but NYC-based) about a year later when I saw an advertisement for the program on the subway. I’m so happy I did it.
What’s the most challenging part of teaching in the city? What’s the most rewarding part? For me, for most challenging part of being a teacher in New York is satisfying the requirements of the city and state while keeping my students’ best interests in mind. Most of our students come to us with gaps in their educations, and it’s our job to help them catch up. Helping them catch up, realize their potential, and meet high expectations is definitely why I’m in this field. (The best part of the job, by far.) But it’s difficult to not get overwhelmed and discouraged when you’re required to teach in a way that doesn’t necessarily benefit your population. (I’m lucky, though. This year has been much, much better.) Oh, and it’s really hard to keep my students in line. Like, really, really hard. Things are fairy under control now, but they weren’t always… ;)
So… you met your husband there? What’s it like working with him? I did! He was–and still is–a math teacher at my school. When we first started dating, we tried to keep our relationship a secret. Huge mistake. Rumors flew around the school like crazy, and it was the topic of conversation in nearly every one of my classes. Once we went public with it, though, the kids kind of lost interest. This year, my students have Mitch as their math teacher and me as their English teacher. They’re pretty used to it now, but there certainly have been a few funny situations!
During our early days at the school, there were a ton of staff members who were our age, and we had a really great group. We did everything together! We planned together, celebrated Friday nights together, and traveled together. While those early teaching years were some of the most challenging of my life, they were also some of the best. We all–quite literally–married each other in the end, too. Three couples in total. (I feel like that’s a lot!) Most have moved on to different schools, new careers and other cities, but we all keep in touch and remain close. I’m very, very lucky.
Anyway, working with my husband is awesome. It’s so nice having him right down the hallway. I know that this situation is not for everyone, but it really works for us. We keep each other going! (And when I’m having a bad day, he’s there to cheer me up. Which usually entails bringing me coffee and candy from the bodega across the street. Thanks, Hubster.)
Is it difficult teaching in the South Bronx? Yes. Every day is an adventure. The neighborhood has seen better days, and its residents have to put up with a lot. (Poverty, crime, violence and drugs, to name a few things.) But it’s also a neighborhood full of history, culture, potential, and a ton of teens ready to change it all around. (Did you hear?! Banksy visited us recently!) You can’t help but be inspired while walking down the streets. The Bronx has taught me so much about myself, the world, and life, and I’m incredibly grateful for my experience there. It will always be a part of me.
How do your students, coworkers and bosses feel about your outfits? And the blog? So far, the people I work with (who know about Kelly in the City) have been incredibly supportive and genuinely interested in what I do. Sure, I’m definitely known as the girl with the weird sense of style, but that’s okay! Last year, nearly all my students found the blog, and a lot of them set up their own blogs as end-of-year projects. (So fun.) This year, only a handful have mentioned it to me. I guess it’s just a year-to-year thing. ;) Regardless, my love for fashion only seems to bring us closer.
And don’t forget to enter the Personalized from Me to You giveaway!
What a sweet story about how you met Mitch. Maybe I’ll meet my future husband at work :) That would be nice!
I struggle with keeping my blog on the DL. I worry my patients will Google me! I don’t even want my friends to know about it yet hehe. It’s kind of just my fun little creative outlet for right now.
XO
Heather
http://www.disposableincomegirl.com
That watch is adorable! Love!
agirlandhersparkles.blogspot.com
that is pretty great that you work with your husband and you are so fortunate to have found your way to a job that you really love. glad to know a little more about you!
Thanks for sharing Kelly! Come to think of it, if you didn’t change your profession to become a teacher, you would have never met Mitch. It’s just meant to be! =]
-Linh N.
Linnnerzism
Okay, this post is by far one of my favorites! I love that you chose to be honest and open with your readers. Also, as a budding professional it’s always interesting to see how other bloggers handle their blog life and professional life. Somedays I get nervous that my blog will affect my career, but I am so happy doing it I can’t imagine every stopping! (Oh yea, and great dress!!)
xx,Rachel
cupcakesandmimosas.blogspot.com
I did not know you were a teacher! Me too! So glad that you love your job! Also, that is pretty awesome that you and your husband work together! Holidays and breaks are the same! Love this dress! The pop of pink is perfect!
xo,
Jacqueline
stylininstlouis.com
I love that you talked about your teaching! I’m in school for secondary ed and constantly taking notes for future cute, job appropriate outfits from your blog… and love this dress!
I loved learning more about your career! Makes me thing back to 7th grade and what I was doing then!
This dress is super cute on you! And I loved the “interview”!
First of all, I love this dress. It is so so cute. I want it. Second, that is so cute that you met Mitch at school! And I love that you both still teach at the same school too! Loved learning a little more about your work life too. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving friend!
Nikki
thefashionablewife.com
i love this post! it’s great to hear more about what you do. i love how much you care about your job and your students!
I love that you have two different passions (fashion/teacher)! It inspires me knowing that I can do both as well, I’m currently a teacher aide but have my masters in school counseling. Maybe one day our paths will cross!
-Alex
http://www.monstermisa.blogspot.com/
Aww what an adorable story on how you met your husband. And it’s amazing you’re a teacher! I actually wanted to study journalism as well and I even got a scholarship from the Washington Post to do so. Like you, I ended up somewhere different (I work in politics).
On a sartorial note, I seriously love everything about this outfit! The dress is gorgeous and the pop of pink from your bag really elevates the whole look! You really nailed this outfit! :]