.png)
As a teacher, have you ever had a dream for your class that was SO BIG, you weren't sure of how to make it happen? Did something hold you back? Was it your thoughts? Funding? Lack of time? For me, it required embracing the unknown, which is difficult for many of us. I was recommended for a community-based fellowship and cringed when I saw the hours it required. My fear came into play when I saw how much of myself I would have to give. A true introvert at heart, I ignored the email until I saw a post about it later that day. I took it as a sign from the universe to try new things and see where it could lead me. Here is my journey:
In December of 2024, I walked through a National Park with my ducklings. My wild, unique, 4th grade “pandemic” kids experienced Saguaro National Park. This was the week before Christmas, right before our class went on holiday break.
I have gone to National Parks with parents, friends, colleagues…and created many unique memories. The first National Park I went to was The Grand Canyon when I was in fourth grade. I remember every detail: the car ride, the hot summer sweat, the soda I drank to stay cool, the millions of photos I took. The time with my parents. It made me a traveler. Appreciative of the outdoors.
I wanted to bring this to my classroom. Five months ago, I applied and was accepted into a fellowship that required my class to become involved with the community. It made perfect sense to choose to partner with the Arizona National Parks. They get a free pass for a year as fourth graders. They learned about animals in each park, learned about the Junior Ranger program, did a Zoom call with a Ranger, and wrote letters with another Ranger in a remote area. When our trip was approved by the governing board, I had a Christmas box with the approval letter inside. We opened it together. Their joy was palpable. Expressions etched into my soul.
I was a ball of nerves yesterday. Navigating an out-of-county trip into the desert with fourth graders and their parents takes a lot of energy. I had to go with the flow. Be gentle yet firm with my kids. My happiest moment was when my duckling who comes late every day made it JUST IN TIME for the bus. His joy was evident. We clapped for him.
Their faces as we arrived are something I will remember. Every other minute, I heard one say, “Can we come back?”. They loved hearing the cactus wren. The size of the saguaros. Making petroglyphs. Being sworn in as Junior Rangers. I savored watching parents interact with their babies. I saw the impact. This is why I teach.
About the Author
Rebecca Brinkman is a fourth-grade teacher in Phoenix, Arizona. She has taught at the same school for her entire 17-year career. Her campus is a second home and it has a strong family feel to it. This is what draws her back every year. She is excited to begin her “Sweet 16th” year of teaching! She has taught 2nd grade for ten years and 3rd grade for six years. She has served as a team lead on her campus for six years. She earned a Masters in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction from Arizona State University, as well as a Masters in Reading. She also earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education from Arizona State University.
Rebecca achieved National Board Certification in the fall of 2019 in Early to Middle Childhood Literacy. She is passionate about building relationships and creating magic in the classroom for her scholars. She credits her former speech teacher as her reason for becoming an educator. She profoundly impacted her attitude towards school and self-esteem as a young student; Rebecca realized she wanted to make that same impact on children by helping them realize their strengths and pushing through personal challenges.
Her second biggest passion is travel! She can often be found planning her next big adventure. She also enjoys hiking, reading, storytelling with The Moth, volunteering, and bucket listing. The quote that resonates most with her is, “The dream is free, but the hustle is sold separately.”