Bitsy Parks has taught K–5 students for 30 years. She is currently a first-grade teacher in Beaverton, Oregon, where she finds joy in nurturing young students to discover their learning identities and build a foundation for a lifelong love of learning and curiosity. Bitsy is also an adjunct instructor at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, and is a regular contributor to Choice Literacy. You can find her on Bluesky and Instagram at @bitsyparks_edu.
“What hopes and dreams do you have for the school year? What hopes and dreams do you have for your future? When you grow up, what do you hope to do?” I asked my class. My students turned and talked with their partners and then shared some ideas that...