Who are you?
Many individuals have the wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity of a worthy purpose. This is a quote by Helen Keller who was both blind and deaf from the age of 19 months, however she still lived a life of giving and service to others.
As a native of Washington, DC, I grew up in a poverty-stricken neighborhood in a low-income public school system. Growing up, as a child I knew that I must be the one to create change. I soon realized that I have the opportunity to positively change a young person’s life and how they view education. To me an education is something that no one can ever take from you and children are entitled to a quality education no matter their economic background. This was the catalyst that birthed my dedication to education and made me the young, motivated, and determined man I am today.
There are four primary values that I possess: leadership, transformational change, diversity, and humility.
My school will be a place where I will build a strong school culture. Apart of the school culture is the importance of the stakeholders. At my school the stakeholders will be valued and appreciated through a number of ways. In addition, we will focus on providing a safe and comfortable environment. There will be an open door policy where teachers, students, parents and others are open to assist with the advancement of our school.
To me, the school experience ultimately impacts the trajectory of success for my students. I want 100% of my students to have the opportunity to not only attend college but to obtain a degree. I am going to build and establish learning facilities that will equip all students with the skills to become successful.
My students will become critical thinkers in math, reading and writing. In math, students will show at least 80% mastery on common core standards. They will learn through hands on application, real world connections, strategy and problem solving skills. This will ultimately put them on pace to be very successful each year.
In reading, students will grow to an independent reading level. Moreover, they will acquire the skills needed to read, analyze, and interpret text/literature to become strong readers and thinkers. I realize the importance of comprehending what you read and envision a class where students are having fun reading, making connections, interpreting what they read and analyzing the text to ask and answer questions.
In writing students will draft coherent writing pieces that are presented with clear ideas, logical organization, personal style, and appropriate conventions. Students will learn or develop a love for writing. In addition, they will understand the importance of how writing helps to communicate their thoughts and ideas.
Lastly, my school will focus on the other core subjects such as: science and social studies. These subjects will be integrated in the reading, math and writing curriculum. Overall, my students will take ownership over their education and become critical, analytical thinkers in their approach to learning. Learning will be fun for my students and they will become proficient beyond their year.
How do you plan to get there?
My first approach to accomplishing my vision is by being a leader of learning. I believe that I must surround myself around the people that will help to cultivate my abilities to lead a learning institution. That’s finding the right mentor, working with experienced teachers and educators, and studying the needed resources to provide me with the knowledge and skill set to become successful as a leader. Also, I will obtain both my masters and PhD in education, utilize the insight from my work experience, and commit to developing my craft. Finally, I will stay abreast of the latest advances in my field, techniques, classroom management practices, policies and child development research.
Many individuals have the wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity of a worthy purpose. This is a quote by Helen Keller who was both blind and deaf from the age of 19 months, however she still lived a life of giving and service to others.
As a native of Washington, DC, I grew up in a poverty-stricken neighborhood in a low-income public school system. Growing up, as a child I knew that I must be the one to create change. I soon realized that I have the opportunity to positively change a young person’s life and how they view education. To me an education is something that no one can ever take from you and children are entitled to a quality education no matter their economic background. This was the catalyst that birthed my dedication to education and made me the young, motivated, and determined man I am today.
There are four primary values that I possess: leadership, transformational change, diversity, and humility.
- Leadership is the ability to motivate a group of people towards a common goal, including students and or staff. In addition, leadership is the ability to learn so that all have the opportunity to learn and grow. As an educator, everyday I lead my students to dream things that never were and ask why not?
- Transformational change is understanding that all students in this country deserve the right to a quality education despite their economic status. I believe that this inequity has lasting effects on our children. My approach is that I, as an educator, can go above and beyond to reverse this effect on our kids while working tirelessly to ensure students acquire the skills that will enable them to be successful no matter where they are from. As an African American male I would lead by example and play a major role in transforming my students’ perspective on life. Ultimately, I want to enable them to become productive citizens in their communities.
- I believe in diversity of thought, culture, and other regards. Growing up I remember my sixth grade teacher who was from a different background than me going beyond the classroom to dramatically impact my life. As the leader in my classroom I must approach every situation from a diverse perspective to ensure my students get the skills they need to be successful. Sometimes, educators do not realize the power they have to influence their students. I am a role model, leader, and mentor that helps kids reach their full potential and goals.
- Lastly, I am very humble in my approach to everything I do. I recognize that I am a leader who is learning. I am surrounded by gifted individuals that work together to ensure the success of the kids entrusted to our care.
My school will be a place where I will build a strong school culture. Apart of the school culture is the importance of the stakeholders. At my school the stakeholders will be valued and appreciated through a number of ways. In addition, we will focus on providing a safe and comfortable environment. There will be an open door policy where teachers, students, parents and others are open to assist with the advancement of our school.
To me, the school experience ultimately impacts the trajectory of success for my students. I want 100% of my students to have the opportunity to not only attend college but to obtain a degree. I am going to build and establish learning facilities that will equip all students with the skills to become successful.
My students will become critical thinkers in math, reading and writing. In math, students will show at least 80% mastery on common core standards. They will learn through hands on application, real world connections, strategy and problem solving skills. This will ultimately put them on pace to be very successful each year.
In reading, students will grow to an independent reading level. Moreover, they will acquire the skills needed to read, analyze, and interpret text/literature to become strong readers and thinkers. I realize the importance of comprehending what you read and envision a class where students are having fun reading, making connections, interpreting what they read and analyzing the text to ask and answer questions.
In writing students will draft coherent writing pieces that are presented with clear ideas, logical organization, personal style, and appropriate conventions. Students will learn or develop a love for writing. In addition, they will understand the importance of how writing helps to communicate their thoughts and ideas.
Lastly, my school will focus on the other core subjects such as: science and social studies. These subjects will be integrated in the reading, math and writing curriculum. Overall, my students will take ownership over their education and become critical, analytical thinkers in their approach to learning. Learning will be fun for my students and they will become proficient beyond their year.
How do you plan to get there?
My first approach to accomplishing my vision is by being a leader of learning. I believe that I must surround myself around the people that will help to cultivate my abilities to lead a learning institution. That’s finding the right mentor, working with experienced teachers and educators, and studying the needed resources to provide me with the knowledge and skill set to become successful as a leader. Also, I will obtain both my masters and PhD in education, utilize the insight from my work experience, and commit to developing my craft. Finally, I will stay abreast of the latest advances in my field, techniques, classroom management practices, policies and child development research.