The Impact: This work has real impact on real kids
"I work for the kids," has been my motto since I walked or rather logged into my first classroom 3 years ago. I don't work for my academic director or even a school. Yeah, they sign my checks, and yes they have the power to fire me, but at the end of the day I became a teacher to support the kids not play the role of a "good teacher", while failing to get results.
Throughout my time as an educator, I have found that the true measure of success lies not only in my students academic achievements but in the profound impact we have on the lives of our students. As teachers, our mission goes beyond imparting knowledge; it is about empowering and uplifting young minds. By embracing student-centered practices and nurturing student voice, we create a safe space where their dreams, opinions, and vulnerabilities matter, especially if you work in high poverty communities of color. In these spaces, we must realize that your classroom might be the only place they get to dream, share their opinions, and be vulnerable.
For this blog post, I wanted to show you all the real impact of this work, so I asked four of my students, how I and other teachers that put students first have helped them on their educational journey. I wanted you all to understand the transformative power of educators who prioritize their voices.
This is what they had to say...
“You and other teachers that put students first have helped me because I now feel comfortable in school knowing that I have somebody that’s going to hear me out and just knowing that I have a few members on my team is very supportive.”
Mikayla beautifully encapsulates the essence of student-centered practices by acknowledging the profound impact it has had on her educational journey. Feeling supported and valued, she no longer sees school as an intimidating space, but rather a place where her voice is heard and respected. Mikayla's words remind us of the importance of being a member of their team, providing unwavering support to foster their growth.
“Eva, you have helped me realize that silence will never get me or others anywhere, and we should speak up because our voices are the most powerful weapon we possess.”
Verman's reflection emphasizes the significance of student voices as the most powerful weapon young people possess. By encouraging students to speak up, we empower them to take charge of their education and their lives. Breaking the silence becomes a catalyst for change, allowing young individuals like Verman to shape their own narratives and advocate for themselves and others.
“Eva along with a select few other teacher who prioritize my need as a student have helped me tremendously when it comes to the way I now see myself in a position light more often as well as my overall confidence in myself and my intelligence, creating a space where I feel free to be who I need to be for my future”
Sade's perspective highlights the profound impact of teachers who prioritize students' needs. By creating an environment where she feels seen and valued, her confidence has blossomed, enabling her to embrace her potential with a newfound sense of purpose. Sade's experience reinforces the idea that by centering student voice, we can empower them to embrace their unique identities and nurture their dreams.
“Having teachers that care more than just a paycheck and having teachers that make it their business to be in my business is something that has helped me and actually saved me. It has created a space for me that if I know I need support I can go and ask for it without over thinking it and without hold it in. There are so many moments when I wanted to give up on myself but having teachers that help me see past my problems, that help me believe and most especially help me love myself more.”
These responses made my eyes well up with tears because this is what I want my young people to feel about me. This is why I work so hard at building relationships and building my student-centered tool kit because I know this is the type of impact you can have on the lives of the students you serve. When you make the choice to understand the long term impact of putting students at the forefront of the work that you do, the results go beyond and book and have a tremendous impact.
As educators, our primary goal is to inspire, empower, and guide young minds towards success. We can only do that when we know them, when we care for them and when we do the hard work of building long term and meaningful relationships with them.
It is vital to remember that our impact goes far beyond grades; it lies in the relationships we build and the trust we cultivate. By embracing student-centered practices and valuing student voice, we create an environment where young people can flourish, find their purpose, and embrace their unique identities.
The perspectives shared by Mikayla, Verman, Sade, and Nicole humanize the experiences of these young individuals, reminding us of the profound impact we can have on their lives. Let us continue to listen, nurture, and uplift our students, for it is through their voices that we shape a brighter future.
