Safety in the community

Promoting Safety in the Community

Marissa Whitey

Arizona State University

Safety in the community

Applicant Narrative

My name is Marissa Whitey and this is my third year teaching at Fees College Preparatory

Academy in Tempe, Arizona. My area of expertise is in English, specifically 20th century

American literature. I am passionate about literature because I strongly believe in its ability to

connect individuals and promote self discovery as well as a diverse worldview. As a creative

person, I like to incorporate hands-on activities in my teaching which is why project-based

learning is especially appealing to me. Not only does it allow students to explore their abilities

and express their individuality, it also allows them to develop their collaborative skills.

School Environment

Fees College Preparatory Academy is a middle school in Tempe, Arizona for students from

sixth through eighth grade. Most students at this school are from low-income backgrounds.

Common risk factors for students at this school include violence, gang affiliation, drugs, and

alcohol. The school has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to drugs. When it comes to

fighting, consequences are less severe but still serious. Fighting occurs on campus on a weekly

basis. Students are typically put on In-School-Suspension as a consequence of being caught

fighting on campus. This involves the student working quietly in a separate classroom away

from direct instruction. Physical fighting disrupts learning at this school because it creates an

unsafe school environment in which students may be afraid to attend. The consequence for

fighting on campus also create a huge barrier to students’ learning, as it takes them away from

the classroom and the positive learning environment.