English Language Arts Coach Alex Evans has been an educator for 10 years with the Urban Choice Charter School in Rochester, NY. Having been drawn to the Fellowship Program as an opportunity to dive deeper into the curriculum, he shares, “I saw the significant benefits of collaborating with a cohort of educators passionate about Wit & Wisdom®.” Alex also enjoys the chance to travel as part of the Fellowship Program and “sharing the nuances of teaching the curriculum and what it looks like in the classroom on a day-to-day basis.” Read on to learn more about Alex’s teaching career, his experiences as a Fellow, and why he thinks the program is a “fantastic opportunity.”
You’ve been an educator for 10 years. What inspired you to pursue a career in education, and what keeps you motivated to continue teaching?
I was inspired to pursue a career in education after teaching English as a Second Language at a summer camp. I discovered a real joy for teaching and education; the ability to form meaningful relationships with students and the positive impact on their overall development had a profound effect on me. I continue to feel inspired and highly motivated to build relationships with students, nurture a spirit of excellence, and foster a love for learning that goes beyond the classroom.
What has been the most rewarding part of being a Wit & Wisdom Fellow?
Being part of the Wit & Wisdom community and collaborating with my colleagues has been both rewarding and inspirational. The opportunities to learn from one another and find out what Wit & Wisdom looks like in schools around the country has been very encouraging. My experiences as a Fellow have also challenged some of my own thinking and practices and allowed me to grow as an educator.
Can you tell us a little bit about your experience using Wit & Wisdom in the classroom?
I have taught Wit & Wisdom as a third-grade teacher for two years and have appreciated the thoughtful design of each lesson. The integrated approach to the curriculum provides a range of ELA learning experiences that both engage and challenge my students’ thinking and skills every day. The selection of award-winning books is a personal highlight for me. Watching students engage with the texts on a deep level has been very gratifying. As someone who feels passionate about teaching students the importance of writing, I have relished the opportunities for students to practice learning to write and writing to learn.
What advice would you share with someone who is interested in applying for the Fellowship Program?
I couldn’t recommend the fellowship enough. It’s an exciting, inspirational, and rewarding experience that will develop you as a teacher of Wit & Wisdom and as an educator. There are numerous opportunities to share best practices that will enable you to have a direct impact on your school or district. The Fellowship Program is a journey of personal growth as you grapple with productive struggle in your own development as a facilitator and teacher of Wit & Wisdom.
Learn more about the Wit & Wisdom Fellowship Program and apply to join this passionate community of educators.
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