Green Davis Teacher Training Scholarship

I am 18 years old. I was born and raised in Harlem. Harlem's schools have historically performed worse academically than those in more affluent parts of New York City and the rest of the country. Approximately 2,750 Black male teachers are working in New York City public schools. This number represents about 3.7% of the entire teacher workforce in the city. I plan to pursue a career in adolescent education and child psychology. I am most passionate about instilling a sense of self-worth and wonder in children. I want minority children to aspire to be great. I want to excite kids' curiosity and foster an enthusiasm for learning in a nurturing environment. I want inner-city children (like me) to know how awesome they are and that they can do whatever they choose. In the NYC school system, a significant number of students face emotional and mental health challenges. Emotional turmoil can impact a student's academic performance. Anxiety and stress can impair students' ability to take tests, participate in class, and finish homework. Guidance counseling is essential to creating a supportive and effective learning environment. Guidance counselors provide a welcoming, inclusive, and productive learning environment that helps children thrive on all levels—emotionally, socially, and intellectually. I aim to become a dynamic, innovative middle school educator and counselor. I plan to lead by example, mentor, and provide guidance and support. Educators should exemplify positive behavior, ethics, and values and set a standard for students to emulate. Educators have an opportunity to help develop a growth mindset and encourage students to believe in their abilities. Minority representation in educators is vital for developing an inclusive and effective educational environment. Minority teachers offer relatable role models who can encourage and inspire pupils from comparable backgrounds. I want to be a force in education that will positively impact the underserved communities in NYC. Integrating technology into the classroom can create a more effective and engaging teen learning environment. Speaking from experience, I know that teenagers enjoy tech-forward teaching approaches. Innovation and technology keep us engaged. By utilizing technology, students can access a wide range of resources, like interactive modules and videos, that allow them to expand their learning options beyond textbooks. I hope to lead the development of tech-forward teaching tools that are low-cost and effective for public and charter school education. My dream is that these teaching strategies will be used nationwide or even worldwide.