We apparently work/live/grew up in very different inner city schools.
You have a great job! I wish 85% of my students were as smart and cared about their education as your students.
So since 85% of your (black) students care about their education, then you got it made as a teacher. How wonderful your school day is. I would love to be able to teach to 85% of students who want to learn, have parental support, do the work required, etc.
I wasn’t only an inner city teacher, I was an inner city (white) kid. We don’t share the same experiences apparently.
You missed my point. Perhaps I was not clear. 85% of my students are decent kids, and would do well if given the chance. But they are not given that chance!
Roughly 15% of my students are disruptive. They'll use their cell phones in class. They'll insult other students in the middle of a lesson. They'll come and go as they please. So I call home. And I get no answer. So I arrange for a conference. And I get empty promises from the student. So I write up the misbehavior. Administration will not support me. Their agenda is public relations, not school discipline.
I am actually a multiple award-winning teacher (thanks to my honors classes). But I don't have it made. I often think I should have gone into pharmacy instead. Much less grief there.