Humans of NTN: Chris Richard, Social Studies Facilitator, New Tech @ East Tech
“That first year of teaching was difficult. Even though I went to Cleveland state and did my training in Cleveland schools, I didn’t realize how unprepared I was, especially in the neighborhood that I was teaching, which was very impoverished. I cried a lot during those first months; I didn’t know how to handle it. I needed to figure out a way to relate to these kids or I was going to have a mental breakdown. I just let “me” come out. I had to keep it real. I stopped teaching and started having fun. I got to know the students as people and built relationships. A student of mine, Will, at his graduation told me, ‘if it wasn’t for you, I don’t know that I would be here right now. I don’t know if I would even be alive.’ I believe that is why I am here and why I have stayed in Cleveland.”