Can I do it?

I'm having a major issue with the idea of being able to teach all of the fun, interesting, real history we have been discussing in class and not simply teaching the content on the standardized tests they are required to take. Of course I don't want to fall into the pit of teaching to the test, but I want to teach in an inner city high school where my paycheck will rely on my ability to help the school meet their AYP. Dealing with that and the pressures of still being an effective teacher while the administration keeps tabs on me throughout the first couple years as well as the issues you hear teachers complain are persistent in inner city schools: parents not caring, students not speaking English, students not caring, classroom management, etc.

But the more I think about it, the more I list all of the obstacles I am going to face, I'm no longer afraid. Overcoming those obstacles are what will make me a great teacher. I would rather acknowledge all that I am worried about than say I am not afraid of anything.

While I'm teaching I'm realizing that I won't always be able to bring in all of this technology, and on many occasions not even half of the technology applications I would like. Power Point is a wonderful tool, but what about when I can't use it? I am using more handouts than I can plant trees for. I understand that this is a technology age, but when the resources just aren't available adaptation isn't such a bad thing. It's up to us to keep it interesting.