The clock reads 7:00 am as Amy Serda pushes open the doors of Martin Luther King Middle School in San Antonio Independent School District. "Every day is a new day," she tells herself and her students. Grinning, energetic and exuding self-confidence, Ms. Serda begins.

Last year King was a low-performing school, so the district hired a new principal and an entirely new faculty this year. The teachers who were hired are committed to conquering the obstacles that have stood in the way of King's students' education. "The motivation level here is really high," Serda states."People are here because they chose to be here." The core group of teachers in Ms. Serda's 7th Grade Team are working hard to make a difference for these children and to give back to their community. "We are very supportive of one another," Ms. Serda explains. "We are pretty united."

The 7th Grade Team meets once a week to discuss discipline issues, to plan their curriculum and to offer support. In addition, Ms. Serda meets with the other 7th grade math teacher once a week to align their lessons and ensure their students are on track. "It is good to plan together if you are working on a team," Ms. Serda notes, "We learn from each other."