228 E 135th St #1118
Bronx, NY 10451

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You know you are at an amazing school when all you can think about is going back to the community during the summer time. I started at BAL just as any first-year teacher starts, timid and in need of support. However, I quickly realized the sort of space I was in and the people I was surrounded by. I found myself working with a team of teachers who were ready and able to help me reflect on my craft (lesson planning, procedures, etc.) while helping me understand how to build relationships with the students. The student-teacher relationships I was able to develop were even further supported by an administration, who worked daily to analyze the culture and ensure the entire community had space to comfortably learn and work..... and this was only the first year. The principal and other leaders are constantly reflecting on the school every year (with heavy input from students and staff) and seamlessly builds supports where they are needed. They have brought on more administrators to support teachers, more counselors to help support students emotionally, more special education teachers to help ensure all students get the education they deserve and more leadership roles for students to ensure they have a strong voice. The two greatest gains have been made in the restorative justice program (half the rate of other NYC schools,) and the thriving sports program (city champs in softball!) All of this (and more) have made this school become a true home to everyone who walks in the doors. Yes, we do face the same challenges as many other schools, but I can confidently stand up to them with the support of absolutely everyone around me on a foundation built by people who care.