This story was published by a Voices of Change fellow. Learn more about the fellowship here.
Dontrell* came to me early in my microschool journey. He was a shy and reserved student, struggling to find his place in the traditional school system. But when he joined my microschool, everything changed.
As a Voices of Change fellow, I have had the opportunity to work with students like Dontrell who have been failed by the traditional education system. The Voices of Change fellowship is a program that empowers educators to create innovative and inclusive learning environments for students who have been marginalized or underserved. It is a platform for teachers to bring about positive change in the education system and make a real difference in the lives of their students.
When Dontrell first joined my microschool, he was struggling academically and socially. He had been labeled as a troublemaker and was often overlooked by his teachers. But I saw potential in him and knew that with the right support and guidance, he could thrive.
Through the Voices of Change fellowship, I was able to implement a personalized learning approach in my microschool. This allowed me to tailor my teaching to Dontrell’s individual needs and learning style. I also created a safe and inclusive environment where Dontrell felt comfortable expressing himself and taking risks in his learning.
The results were remarkable. Dontrell’s grades improved significantly and he became more engaged in class discussions and activities. He started to believe in himself and his abilities, and his confidence grew with each passing day.
But the most significant change I saw in Dontrell was his attitude towards learning. He went from being a disengaged student to someone who was eager to learn and explore new ideas. He started to ask questions and challenge himself, something he had never done before.
As a Voices of Change fellow, I have been able to witness the transformative power of education. I have seen how a student like Dontrell, who was once struggling and disengaged, can become a confident and motivated learner. And this is just one of the many success stories that have emerged from the fellowship.
The Voices of Change fellowship not only supports educators in creating inclusive learning environments, but it also provides a platform for collaboration and learning. Through workshops, conferences, and networking opportunities, fellows have the chance to share their experiences and learn from each other. This not only benefits the fellows but also has a ripple effect on their students and the wider education community.
The fellowship has also given me the opportunity to connect with like-minded educators who are passionate about creating positive change in the education system. It has been a source of inspiration and motivation for me to continue pushing boundaries and finding new ways to support my students.
Dontrell’s story is just one example of the impact that the Voices of Change fellowship has had on students and educators alike. It is a reminder that with the right support and resources, every student has the potential to succeed. As a Voices of Change fellow, I am committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable education system, one student at a time.
If you are an educator who shares this vision, I encourage you to learn more about the Voices of Change fellowship and consider applying. Together, we can be the voices of change that our education system desperately needs. Let’s create a brighter future for our students and inspire a generation of lifelong learners.
*Dontrell’s name has been changed to protect his privacy.
