In celebration of Black History Month, we are acknowledging and uplifting Black teacher residents who are part of NCTR Network teacher residency programs, eager to begin teaching a class of students as a teacher of record and make a difference in their communities.
Meet Sabrina Washington, Chicago Teacher Residency Program
Why did you decide to take part in the teacher residency program?
I decided to take part in the residency program because I felt I could make a greater difference being a Sped (special education) teacher than I can being a substitute teacher. I noticed an increase in the number of students being underserved. As a substitute, oftentimes my suggestions have been brushed off. As a result, I decided to obtain the credentials to back up the advocacy that I push to impact the lives of the underserved and sometimes forgotten.
How has being part of the program contributed to your life?
Being part of the program has pushed me professionally in ways I could not have imagined. To be honest, the intensity of the program requirements have also allowed me to grow personally. I am an overall more disciplined, organized, culturally responsive person.
What does being a Black teacher mean to you?
Through my lens being a Black teacher means there will be many students that look just like me, who will have experienced some of the same traumas as I have; who will walk into a classroom where they will experience a welcoming, nurturing environment from someone who actually can authentically relate to them without the implicit bias due to ethnic stereotypes. It means I can be the example for them that they are not [the product of] their environment but rather all they dare to become. It means I can speak from one parent to another that simply because your child has an IEP today, that does not mean they will always need one. Being a Black educator means I can be part of the solution instead of perpetuating the problem.
How do you think schools and districts can best support you as a Black teacher?
The way I think schools and districts can best support me as a Black teacher is to truly ensure the students I serve are being educated in ways that are truly equitable and that support them and afford them the opportunities as students their age in communities with members of higher socioeconomic status.
What are you looking forward to most upon completion?
Upon completion, I am most looking forward to meeting my students and their families right where they are at and helping them reach their academic and life goals. I’m looking forward to dreams being realized.
Posted February 28, 2023