Why did you become an educator?
Growing up I was one of the only black students in a white school. Aside from not feeling like I belonged and always being looked at as less than, just based on my looks, I also noticed the clear imbalance of things I was able to do or was exposed to compared to my black friends who lived in other areas. I became a teacher to make the playing field more even. I want minority students to get the same opportunities as their white counterparts. I want them to be able to leave high school with the knowledge and skills to succeed and be successful.
What do you love about your school?
I love the diversity. My school is an amazing place because everyone comes from such different walks of life. I think this makes myself and the students more successful. I love that the staff at my school reflects the student populations we serve. I love that the students are able to look at us and think ‘wow I can do that too one day’. Being able to relate and build relationships with my students is the best feeling in the world.
Why is it important that lower income children can attend schools of choice?
I don’t believe that children should be a product of their environments. If a child’s parents made poor choices that limits them financially, the child shouldn’t have to suffer by going to a less than adequate school that will place them in the same position that their parents are in.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Overall, I just really think we need to make the efforts to try and fix the imbalance in education that we have today. Sending poor students to poor unequipped schools is not preparing them to be successful in life. If anything we are making them feel worse about their circumstances.
