Grow Your Own initiatives make moves in the NYS Legislature

Grow Your Own initiatives make moves in the NYS Legislature

New York’s educator workforce does not come close to matching the rich diversity of our state’s students. Research is clear that having teachers of color improves outcomes for all students and we support investments that advance recruitment and retention of educators...

Why I Teach: Believe In Their Abilities

BELIEVE IN THEIR ABILITIES Maria Rios Castillo, New York City “THEY CAN TAKE THE PATH THAT I CHOSE — THE PATH THAT IS MORE DIFFICULT, BUT ULTIMATELY FAR MORE REWARDING.” There are many reasons why I became a teacher. For a better understanding, I need to go back to...

Why I Teach: It’s My Responsibility

IT IS MY RESPONSIBILITY Kia Debnam, Buffalo “I TEACH BECAUSE IT IS MY GIFT AND MY RESPONSIBILITY.” Why do I teach? I teach to empower; to give all children the efficacy to make informed, world changing decisions. I teach to model the capacity to be a figure of...

Why I Teach: Building a Community

BUILDING A COMMUNITY J. Miguel Jiménez, New York City “TEACHING FOR ME IS A HOPE TO FOSTER AND BUILD A COMMUNITY FOR ALL OF MY STUDENTS — BUT ESPECIALLY TO KEEP THE CANDLE BURNING FOR THOSE WHO ARE OUT THERE SEARCHING FOR THEIR TRIBE.” When asked what information he...

Why I Teach: Finding Their Moment

FINDING THEIR MOMENT Mary Gilbert, Rochester “THERE IS THIS THING, THIS FEELING THAT STUDENTS GET WHEN THEY REALIZE THAT THEY ARE PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER, GRANDER.” I remember a conversation that I had with one of the vice presidents of a local university. This was...