Pedagogical Statement-
The first time I had the opportunity to teach a class was during my Senior year in high school. In the Fall of 98’ my Environmental Science teacher, Mrs. Carolyn Harris assigned each student a week to teach and facilitate her class. We chose a subject from her Syllabus and created our own lesson plan. On each Fridays the “student teacher” issued a test to their classmates/students on the lesson they taught to the students during that week.
When it was my turn, I was a bit nervous, but I was more concerned about engaging with the students. I created an atmosphere where we talked in a forum like setting and discussed what we read. I had each student formulate a group where they further engaged in a conversation about the lesson. Also, I typed up notes and a study guideline, so that they didn’t have to take notes and could truly focus on what was being taught. I asked my fellow classmates/students did they have any questions and they did. We worked through what they didn’t understand. It was a rewarding feeling that still makes me feel good inside after 21 years.
Communal Education- I am a scholar with a background in African American Studies, and who understands the Black experience as a Black woman. The idea that I have entering the education sector is to inform our youth of our culture and how it’s foundation is rooted in Africa. My intended goal is to teach History centered around African Americans and Africa. As a scholar who grew up in a broken education system, we never had the opportunity to learn about ourselves in a positive way. I want our children as well as others to understand and know that Black people globally are beyond the negative stereotypes.
Being an educator requires thinking outside the box to capture and engage the minds of students. My goal in the class room is to ensure that the student grasps and can conceptualize the lesson being taught. The ambience and atmosphere of the classroom will be a safe place for students to vent, ask and answer questions, share thoughts, be honest, speak on their feelings about the subject at hand. My idea is to create an environment where students can be proud of who they are and know that their existence goes far beyond the scope of slavery.
I plan on having the students work in groups where I can promote a learning and social development environment. Scholars will be encouraged to learn attentively, have mutual respect for one another, and celebrate each other’s achievements.