COMMITMENT TO SOCIAL JUSTICE
Building Equitable Classrooms through Leverage Asset-Based Frameworks
OVERVIEW OF THE EXPERIENCE
My first AmeriCorps program was Jumpstart. I worked in this program for three years while an undergraduate student. I worked in a team toward improving reading literacy for pre-k students.
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After graduating, I transitioned to my next AmeriCorps program, City Year. For one year, I worked in partnership with elementary school teachers as a near-peer tutor. The goal was to improve the reading and math fluency of elementary-aged students.
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My partner teachers inspired me to pursue a career in education, so I joined Teacher for America. While the program is only a two-year commitment, I continued to work as an educator and serve marginalized communities.
IMPORTANCE & IMPACT
I was transformed in many ways while working in AmeriCorps for six years. This work set the foundation and informs my commitment to social justice. I work in partnership with marginalized communities, low socioeconomic status populations, and linguistically, racially diverse, and neurodivergent groups. I have learned about advocacy and the power of like-minded individuals working together to achieve progress.
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My time in AmeriCorps helped me develop my equity perspective and instilled a desire to keep current with educational policy and the impact of systemic inequities. In addition, my work as an AmeriCorps member providing direct service has challenged me to seek out leadership roles and act as a changemaker.
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These strong beliefs permeate my professional experience and influence how I approach addressing educational issues.
SKILLS GAINED
ME.D. PROGRAM COMPETENCY:
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A SYSTEMS THINKER
Perceives self as an educator participating within a larger system of education.
ME.D. PROGRAM COMPETENCY:
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A CREATIVE
PROBLEM SOLVER
Develops and implements plans for addressing problems and effecting change.
ME.D. PROGRAM COMPETENCY:
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CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE
Self-aware of cultural perspective and privilege.