Gene Denton Essay 42

A need in my community is an increase of Black and Brown teachers and educators. I believe education plays a major role in shaping our youth and preparing them for the future, and with that lack of representation there’s no support system. Yes, there are dedicated teachers who truly and deeply care for their students, but seeing someone who looks like you in a position of leadership can have a powerful impact on a student’s confidence, sense of belonging, and motivation. It’s especially important for young African American girls who may not often see themselves reflected in the education system. Because of this, I hope to become an early childhood educator who can help inspire the next generation and provide the support system that many students, including myself, have sometimes lacked. 

In my experience, I have had many teachers who’ve helped me grow professionally, academically, and personally. I was taught the importance of encouragement, leadership, and patience in and outside of the classroom. However, I’ve also witnessed that African American female educators aren’t as common and they should be. For students who share that identity, it can feel harder to find someone who they can look up to as a role model. Representation in the education system can create stronger connections between students and teachers, helping students feel seen and supported. 

African American female education can also bring valuable perspectives into the classroom. They understand cultural differences and experiences some students may face inside and outside the school building. With this understanding, it can help create a more inclusive and supportive environment. Where students feel free to express themselves and ask questions. I believe that when students see teachers with their background it shows them how much they can accomplish, what they can achieve, and that they too, can succeed in any leadership role. 

After high school I plan to study education in college so that I can become a teacher. By pursuing a degree in education, I will gain the skills and knowledge to support my students academically and emotionally. College will help me prepare to develop lesson plans and manage a classroom. In addition to my academic training, studying education will allow me to learn different strategies and techniques that’ll help students with different learning styles to succeed. 

My future education will also allow me to better understand the different challenges that some students may face outside a classroom. Students will experience different obstacles like lack of resources, personal/home struggles, and possibly feeling disconnected from their environment. By becoming a teacher, I aspire to create a place where students feel comfortable, supported, and motivated to succeed. I hope to have my classroom be a place where students are able to feel confident, confused, comfortable, ask questions, and have them believe in themselves. 

As an African American female who hopes to become a teacher one day, I want to be that someone who the youth looks up to. Representation matters, especially in education and that makes a difference in how students view themselves, their peers, and their future. Students see teachers who share the same background as another, it can show them that success is possible. I want to be that example. 

In addition to teaching academic subjects, I want to teach leadership. I want to be able to serve as a  mentor and a role model to students. Seeing teachers have that opportunity to influence others not only by lesson, but also guidance. Showing students that their voices matter and how achievable their goals are. I hope to build that confidence with the next generation of youth leaders. 

With that being said, the lack of African American educators in my community is a need I hope to fulfil in the future. By my desire to pursue early childhood education after high school, I will gain those tools needed to become the teacher who inspires, supports, and empowers students. Through my work as an educator I hope to provide representation. Education has the power to change lives, and I hope to be a part of that change in my community.