Celebrating The Heart of Education, Teachers

Every year on October 5, communities across the globe celebrate World Teacher Day. At Green Dot Public Schools California, we celebrate our teachers all year long as they are at the heart of education. The enduring encouragement, dedication, creativity, inclusivity, of our teachers are what change our students’ lives. We thank all teachers for all that they do! 

In honor of World Teacher Day, we asked several of our teachers about what led them on the path of  teaching and what they envision for the future of education. 

Here’s what they had to say:

What led you to become a teacher? 

“I have always wanted to be a teacher since I was a little girl! I come from a long line of educators, and being in a classroom always seemed fun.”

– Chaleese Norman, Area Superintendent 

“What led me to teach is my constant desire to help our youth see their own potential. From a very young age, I have always looked for empathic ways to help others around me. I quickly learned that one of the best ways to help others was to instruct them on doing things for themselves. Being a mother was my final catalyst for becoming a teacher. I went back to school after my youngest of 3 was in preschool to get my credentials and Master’s, which was one of the best decisions I ever made. My true calling has been reaffirmed daily that I am serving my life’s purpose. I love what I do, and the students see and feel it. They know how much I care for them and their education, which means the world to me.”

– Sarah Bakker, Alain Leroy Locke College Preparatory Academy

“If you asked me as a second grader, ‘What do you want to do when you grow up?'” I would boldly proclaim that I wanted to be a teacher. If you asked me why I’d tell you that I wanted to change the world. A little girl. Big goals. Big dreams. Although I am not that little girl anymore, that is still the same reason. I want to make our world better, and I know I can do that within the walls of my own classroom. Ánimo is creating the future leaders, the future thinkers, the future doers. I am glad to be part of that movement.” 

– Catherine Stine, Ánimo Leadership Charter High School

 “I said I wanted to be a teacher when asked in kindergarten. I wanted more people who looked like me in education because I didn’t experience that growing up. So, after working in a residential facility during a shift where the residents were in school, I told myself, ‘I can do this!'”

– Tara Harmon, Ánimo Florence-Firestone Charter Middle School

 “I was first led to teaching by a UC Berkeley-born desire to promote/advance social justice. I sought to do this through a more diverse and inclusive history and social studies curriculum and focusing on critical thinking skills in the classroom. After going to law school, I was led back to teaching by my passion for empowering students in the classroom (it is far more fun than being an attorney). I understand my students’ significant impact on their families, communities, academia, and the world as they graduate from high school, college, and/ or professional schools and move out of poverty.” 

– Kim Kawaratani, Oscar De La Hoya Ánimo Charter High School

 “I was inspired to become a reading teacher because my grandma was a teacher, and my mom was a linguist. We were a reading family. I went through so much loss as a child, and eventually, my brother and I entered the foster care system. I spent many school years lonely. As a 7th grader, you could find me in the school library reading “How to be Happy” (a book that explained that I should mirror others to be more relatable). Or find me at the mall bookstore reading “Sweet Valley High” and wishing I was perfect. 

… I am a teacher, so kids can learn to read stronger and speak powerfully even when quiet. So students have choices in life. So that I am there for those that are left out.” 

– Leah Lamberth, Animo Mae Jemison Middle School

 “The notion that all young people deserve an education empowers them.”

– Joel Snyder, Ánimo Pat Brown Charter High School

What do you envision for the future of education? 

“That we will be able to offer outstanding and enriching courses to all students, regardless of their neighborhood! I also hope we can find a way to individualize our students’ education.”

– Chaleese Norman, Area Superintendent

“I would like to see ALL students treated with equity and inclusion daily. I hope that all future educators are vetted for mastery of their field with the utmost concern for student success. As educators, our calling is to raise the next generation on our shoulders so that they have a clearer view of their future. We still have much progress in these areas, but I believe it is possible.”

– Sarah Bakker, Alain Leroy Locke College Preparatory Academy

“In Amanda Gorman’s inaugural poem, “The Hill We Climb,” she reminds the American people that ‘there is always light. If only we are brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.’ I hope that our future is full of students who are brave enough to be that light. Our world needs their light…we all need that light.”

– Catherine Stine, Ánimo Leadership Charter High School

“The gap will close between black and brown students compared to other ethnicities/races. I hope we continue to support students with disabilities, so they take charge of their education and advocate for themselves. “

– Tara Harmon, Ánimo Florence-Firestone Charter Middle School

“My hope for the future of education is that it engages and empowers students to be great leaders and critical thinkers. With access to college for all who desire it.” 

– Kim Kawaratani, Oscar De La Hoya Ánimo Charter High School

“My hope: The United States federal and state governments provide a zip code-free education. My hope: Politicians and publishers stop profiting off of a curriculum that is racist, biased, and misrepresentative of history. My hope: Family and educators are treated with respect and given alternative opportunities to provide the least restrictive and most appropriate learning and teaching environment.”

– Leah Lamberth, Animo Mae Jemison Middle School

“I hope education can help students build and practice the skills they need to be proactive civic actors in the United States and the world.”

– Joel Snyder, Ánimo Pat Brown Charter High School