The latest installment of An Apple for Our Teachers. Each Wednesday I’ll be publishing stories from Camden teachers about their lives and choice to teach here as a way to celebrate their dedication. It was local parent Carmen Crespo who came up with the idea, and first starting soliciting these stories. Here’s what she had to say about the importance of teachers telling their stories: 

Camden is NOT an easy city to teach in. The resources are low, the children face severe adversity, and the pay isn’t great. Yet, we have wonderful people who choose to get up every morning and come to Camden to make a difference in our children. Too often we hear and see the negative about Camden. So I’d like to open up the floor to our awesome teachers.

Our third story is from Chrissy Bianca: 

I came to Camden by chance and never left. I grew up in Cinnaminson, attended BCC and Rowan University studying elementary ed and English. I was placed in Sumner for my student teaching and fell in love with the children. I will never forget one little boy, Tyrone, who was in 3rd grade but could not read or write, but drew amazing pictures. He and I bonded immediately and the growth he made in the little time that I was there was a driving factor in continuing to stay in teaching. I still have their letters and pictures from 9 years ago. I graduated in May 2006 and was hired in June 2006 and never left. My past 9 years have been an emotional rollercoaster, with super high amazing moments, and ultra low heartbreaking moments as well. My colleagues have turned into friends and so have some of my parents as well. I have been praised, demeaned, tested, and pushed to my breaking point. But, I am still here. And it is harder than ever.

If you are a teacher or know a teacher who would like to share their story in future weeks, please email me at Stephen.danley (at) Rutgers.edu. I’ll pull teacher stories up from the comments as well. The hope is to highlight a teacher story every Wednesday for as long as the stories keep coming! Thanks to Carmen and to Denise for making this happen, and even more, for caring about our city and being committed to it.