Teaching is the best job in the world. I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, and when I became an Instructional Specialist in Detroit, it was a dream come true. I wanted to make a difference in kids’ lives. But that dream has hit a lot of bumps in the road by some unimaginable circumstances.

Detroit was a bustling urban center for most of the 20th century, with the automotive industry providing a comfortable middle-class life for most residents. But when the industry was hit hard by imports and the Great Recession, Detroit’s economy was devastated and nearly all residents suffered the consequences.

Detroit public schools today are dealing with some of the most challenging problems you’ll find in any school system-a half-billion-dollar school debt, miserable physical conditions, and a shortage of the supplies, resources and supports kids need to learn, thrive and make it in the 21st century.

The Detroit Public Schools district, which was taken over by the state 15 years ago, has such devastating financial issues that the state Legislature needs to vote in the coming days on funding just to keep the school doors open, the lights on and educators paid beyond April 8. But that pot of money would only get the district through the remainder of this school term. Given the $515 million school debt, another funding package also needs to be approved for the long-term survival of the school district.

Along with the perilous financial condition of the schools, we continue to deal with unsafe and unhealthy physical conditions, along with a lack of basic resources for students and teachers. Rodents creep around through our schools, heaters don’t work, mold covers gym floors and walls, some playgrounds are off limits because of mysterious steam blasting through the ground, classrooms are overcrowded and technology is wholly inadequate. Sadly and ironically, the Detroit Institute of Technology High School has no access to the Internet.

My desire to make a difference in the lives of my high school students is tested every day. Most Detroit students live in poverty and need as much support and resources as possible to mitigate their difficulties. They need convenient access, in schools, to health and dental clinics, before and after-school enrichment programs, food and clothing banks, and summer programs so learning doesn’t drop off. And we need to offer job skills and literacy programs for parents.

Even given all we face, educators and school employees in Detroit come to school every day with their heads held high and do the best job they can to give our students a great education. But we need the tools, resources and supports for our kids to dream, achieve and succeed. Now is the time for the state to end its control over the school district, which it badly betrayed, return control to local education authorities and work with educators to support a sound educational system with programs that we know will help all Detroit kids succeed.

I got into teaching to make a difference in the lives of kids. I want to believe that I can still do that.

The writer is a teacher at the Schulze Academy for Technology and the Arts in Detroit.