Why did you become an educator?
I became an educator because I wanted Black and Brown students to see more people who look like them in the classroom. The teachers I remember most were Black teachers who were firm, but loving. I wanted to provide a firm, but loving space for students.
What do you love about your school?
I love that my school places a focus on relationships with academics. I don’t remember having super deep and connected relationships with my teachers growing up, so I love that this is important for my school, because I want to be a support for my students, through high school, and beyond. Furthermore, my school places an emphasis on providing and creating opportunities for our students to engage in experiences that they probably wouldn’t have otherwise, such as college tours and studying abroad, which opens their minds and expands their horizons.
Why is it important that lower income children can attend schools of choice?
Children of lower income families deserve options, just like children of middle class and upper class incomes. They should not be limited to the options solely in their lower income neighborhoods, which if we are being honest, are probably underfunded. Lower income students being able to attend schools of choice levels the playing field, and provides them with access.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I love being an educator. I love working in a lower in come neighborhood, where I myself grew up. I love that my students can look at me and see themselves.
