Response to Kozol

The one aspect I would like to focus my thoughts on is, Mrs. Corla Hawkins. I believe Kozol choose to talk about her for several reasons. One of those reasons and the most important one being that there is hope, hope for those students that are thrust into an environment of neglect and disadvantage. Some of the other reasons are; Kozol wants us (the readers) to understand that there are always going to be good and bad teachers in every school system, no matter inner city or suburban. As much as we would love to hear about all the bad teachers in the disadvantaged school systems, we need to hear about the good ones as well. Another reason would be that Kozol wants us to make the most out of our situation, no matter what it might be. Mrs. Hawkins did just that, she provided an environment of joy, love and learning in an environment of decay and destruction. Granted, majority of the students Mrs. Hawkins had in her class may never go to high school and even college; they may end up as gang members, criminals and in worst cases a victim to the violence in the community, she wants them to enjoy life and believe that they can be greater than those around them think they can be. In my opinion, Mrs. Hawkins is prime example of what any teacher should strive to be, no matter inner city or suburban schools.  She’s dedicated her time, money and life to provide a better place for those around her, not just the students; that are not so fortunate. When she lays her head down at night, she knows she is making a difference and given 100% of herself to making this spinning mud ball a better place.