This article was originally published in The Notebook. In August 2020, The Notebook became Chalkbeat Philadelphia.
Anh Phan, 17
Junior, Furness High School
The friendly environment that the teachers bring to the school, especially with the English [language] learners. They inspire us to study English. It’s really difficult to study another language, but they give us a lot of inspiration. Whenever you need help, the teachers are there, in the library or after school.”
Brenda Hernandez, 19
Furness High School and FUERZA!
“The afterschool programs, because they motivate the students to do well. They also give teachers time in the afternoon to work with students, because sometimes during the day they don’t have the time to go over all the things in class. With certain classes like history, they make it fun and not just all about the facts.”
Abdul Mohammed, 16
Junior, Furness High School
“I like when teachers teach on a college level, but have a high energy when doing it. When they have that energy, it pushes you to work harder. In psychology, the teacher is always ready to talk about his life and struggles. It shows that it takes a lot of hard work to make it, but it is possible.”
Karla Rojas, 17
The Academy at Palumbo and FUERZA!
“Because my school is smaller, it is a lot easier for one-on-one time with the teachers. The teachers can take their time with each student and get to know them. They become more like role models than teachers, and because of that students really care about each other and become more like siblings than students.”