Two weeks ago on PoeMondaY, I introduced one of my mentors, but today I would like to expand that group of people who have influenced my life to include all of the teacher’s I’ve had the opportunity to study under. It is true that some teachers have more of an impact than others and that not every teacher is a good one, but it is also true that teaching is not an easy job and that I have learned something from every one of them. Now that I am a teacher myself, I use the things I have learned to influence the way I teach in my own classrooms.

So, what does this have to do with poetry? Today’s featured poet is Taylor Mali, a previous teacher turned slam poet who writes a lot on the topic of education. I’ve had the opportunity to see him perform a few times, and it is never disappointing. This particular poem has been featured on Def Poetry Jam, Ted Talks, and more. Do you agree with his message?