Embracing a New Venture as College Graduates.
As fresh college graduates, we found ourselves eager to step into the professional world, armed with enthusiasm and a desire to make a difference. Little did we know that a remarkable opportunity was waiting for us at Classical Charter Schools. Despite having no experience in education or extracurricular clubs, we jumped headfirst into this new venture, and it has been an incredible, life-changing experience.
Passion for Education: Perseverance, Dedication, and Growth.
From the very beginning, we were captivated by the competitive spirit that fueled our passion for education. Our first couple of years as teachers at Classical have taught us that perseverance, dedication, and a love for growth are the driving forces behind success in the classroom. The pursuit of excellence, not only for ourselves but for our Scholars, became our guiding principle.
Working alongside an extraordinary team of educators, we have been continuously inspired to strive for the best possible outcomes for our scholars. This competitive environment has motivated us to become better teachers, refining our skills and expanding our knowledge to ensure our students receive the highest quality education.
Nurturing Intellectual, Emotional, and Social Development.
One of the most rewarding aspects of our journey at Classical Charter Schools has been witnessing the growth and development of our Scholars. As they delve into the wonders of learning, their curiosity and excitement become contagious. Our collective pursuit of excellence creates an atmosphere that nurtures their intellectual, emotional, and social growth.
As we reflect on our experience at Classical Charter Schools, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible opportunities we have been given as young educators. The unwavering support from our colleagues, the inspiration we draw from our Scholars, and the passion for education that has been ignited within us have all contributed to our growth and success. One of the most rewarding aspects of our journey at Classical Charter Schools has been witnessing the growth and development of our Scholars. As they delve into the wonders of learning, their curiosity and excitement become contagious. Our collective pursuit of excellence creates an atmosphere that nurtures their intellectual, emotional, and social growth.
Mr. McClymont shared a proud moment when his class won the Scholar Olympics for the best class transitions throughout the school. This accomplishment not only showcased the hard work and dedication of the students but also demonstrated the importance of teamwork, effective communication, and strong leadership. Witnessing the scholars come together to achieve this goal was a testament to the positive impact of the school’s culture and values.
Mr. Soferr fondly recalled observing the growth and maturity of his scholars over time. One particular student, who initially struggled with time management and organizational skills, blossomed into a responsible and self-motivated learner. With consistent support and guidance, the student eventually became a role model for his peers, demonstrating the power of personal growth and the influence of a supportive educational environment.
For Mr. Ganaganayagam, one particularly heartwarming experience has been observing the evolution of his students from when they first began at Classical Charter Schools to their transformation into young adults in middle and high school. Seeing them grow, both academically and personally, has been a source of immense pride and satisfaction. These young scholars, who once required constant guidance and support, have now become confident and capable individuals ready to navigate the challenges of their educational journey.
Now, we’d like to delve deeper into the unique role we have come to appreciate as male educators. The necessity for men in the classroom goes beyond just representation; we provide a distinct perspective that contributes to the rich tapestry of the learning environment. As male teachers, we have the opportunity to connect with male students, serving as mentors who understand their experiences and can guide them through their developmental years.
In addition, our presence can aid in challenging prevalent gender stereotypes. We find that through our personal interactions and dedication, we can inspire our female Scholars Furthermore, we’ve been proud to contribute to the development of our Scholars through an extracurricular program we call the “Boys Club”. This program, targeted towards our 8th-grade scholars, goes beyond the academic curriculum, focusing on essential life skills. We’ve discussed everything from tying a tie to securing a summer job, always making sure to keep things lively and engaging with fun activities.
However, despite the clear benefits male educators bring, we are a minority in the teaching profession. As of now, men comprise only about 24% of elementary and middle school teachers, and this figure drops to a mere 9% at the high school level. The impact of this disparity is profound, as it limits our male students’ exposure to male role models and inadvertently reinforces gender stereotypes.
Shaping Young Minds and Cultivating a Love of Learning Together.
To change this narrative, we believe it’s crucial to promote teaching as a fulfilling career choice for men. In addition, support
systems should be put in place to ensure the success of male teachers. This could include mentoring programs, professional development opportunities, and fostering a supportive work environment.
In conclusion, our time at Classical Charter Schools has underscored the importance of male teachers in the classroom. We bring a unique perspective, serve as positive role models, and aid in breaking down gender stereotypes. Our personal initiative, the “Boys Club,” has allowed us to extend our impact beyond the classroom, aiding in the development of essential life skills for our students. To build a more diverse and inclusive education system, we need to encourage more men to step into the teaching profession and provide the necessary support to help them excel.
As we reflect on our journey, we are filled with gratitude for the opportunities we’ve been given and the lives we’ve been able to touch. To all aspiring educators or recent graduates, we encourage you to take the leap and embrace the challenges and rewards of a career in education. The future holds boundless possibilities, and we look forward to continuing our adventure in shaping young minds, unlocking potential, and cultivating a lifelong love of learning – let’s continue to make a difference together.
.
So, here’s to the adventure of shaping young minds, unlocking potential, and cultivating a lifelong love of learning!
This post was contributed by Mr. McClymont and Mr. Soferr (current middle school teachers) and Mr. Ganaganayagam (former middle school teacher, Dean of Students, and current Brand Strategy Manager). As a non-CMO charter network, we rely on the thoughts, opinions, and innovations of our staff to move our mission forward and provide an excellent academic option to families in the South Bronx. To hear more from our staff, check out the next post! Or, click here to learn more
