KrystalD

I am a growing and developing human being, constantly seeking to learn and express myself creatively. In this venture, I am a teacher and a free lance writer. I am also a friend and a fellow world traveler every opportunity I get (or shall I say take).

My Career

I teach because it is my passion. I started in public education in Fairfax County, VA (a very well, funded, organized school district).

I later taught in a charter school in Inglewood, CA (closest I got to LAUSD). I enjoyed the students but the school was riddled with organizational problems and just plain misguided priorities. I craved creativity and kids that loved and wanted to learn because they were allowed to be themselves and explore their interests.

So I taught for two-years at a wonderful child development center in Los Angeles. I LOVED the hands-on, constructivist learning I got to provide for those little ones (PK-K), but I made barely enough to live on! So next I decided to follow a lifelong dream and teach abroad! I worked in Cairo, Egypt almost a year before their revolution broke out (I stand in solidarity with the Egyptian people). I learned so much about the world and how universal the loves and passions of children are.

When I arrived in LA after searching for quite a bit of time I found what I think is a perfect match for me: a small, progressive, nonprofit school that embraces democracy and learning through doing at the very center of their philosophy and practice. No more books! No more tests! I have spent the last few months woodworking, gardening, going on field trips, letting them read and write what they want till their hearts content and have lots of class meeting where they come up with solutions to solve our problems (1st and 2nd grade multi-age).

I love this way of teaching and learning so much that I am convinced it is an adequate alternative to the one size fits all, underfunded, assessment driven public education system we have now.

My Interests

·         Teaching

·         Learning

·         Writing

·         Poetry

·         Reading

·         Black Studies

·         Politics

·         African History

·         Contemporary Africa

·         Contemporary Middle East

·         Self-Help

·         Spirituality

·         Children

·         Feminism

·         Social Activism

·         Living Simply

·         Art History

·         Museums

·         Art-all mediums

 ·         And more!

Hubpages-A new journey!

I have always been a writer but I often lose my motivation for writing. Life gets busy and it always seems that my writing is what gets lost in the mix. Hubpages has allowed me to have a place to write where others can actually read my work! I also get to interact with other wonderful writers in an atmosphere of support. Finally, Hubpages gives me an opportunity to make money writing about what I want and when I want. Sign up here to start your new journey!