This blog has been adapted from a writing assignment by Ryan Klassen, cohort 9 teacher resident at The Educator Academy. A staff formatted this to fit a blog, making edits solely for legibility and readability purposes. The Educator Academy does not necessarily endorse any specific ideas or opinions expressed in guest-written blogs.
The Educator Academy’s residency program in Kansas City offers aspiring teachers a unique pathway to certification by integrating AmeriCorps service into their training. This partnership allows residents to serve their local school communities while accessing valuable resources throughout their service year and beyond.
By aligning with AmeriCorps’ mission of community service and development, participants not only gain hands-on classroom experience but also contribute meaningfully to the educational growth of their communities. Benefits of this collaboration include a living allowance, healthcare access, loan forbearance
We’re excited to celebrate AmeriCorps Week by sharing inspiring stories from our EA residents and AmeriCorps members each day! Today, meet Ryan, a dedicated resident pursuing his teaching certification through our program. He opens up about his journey to becoming a teacher and how the Educator Academy has helped him effectively show up as a teacher.
My Journey to Becoming an Educator
My journey as an educator started with a rejection of the notion that I would be a great teacher. When I was told this as a young person, I felt the uncontrollable desire to do my own thing instead. What I didn’t know then was that my journey away from education would prepare me for and lead me right back to the place I didn’t want to be.
The understanding I held at a young age about people who were different from me came from a world of strict rules around beliefs, behavior, and identity. These rules gave me a feeling of superiority, created a distorted lens of otherness towards people and groups outside of my circle of beliefs, and made me believe that it was my job to fix or change those who were different.
Changing My Mindset
Breaking free of this way of thinking required a lot of time and effort. I had to shed the core beliefs that had shaped me since birth in order to see the world through a lens of togetherness. This became easier and easier the more I listened to others’ stories.
I began to understand that we all have a place we come from and we are all seeking some sort of connection, a sense of truth, and the ability to live our one and only life the way we feel is right. I came to understand that access to education is one of the main ways in which people are able to see through the noise and create a life that is honest to them. This led me to substitute teaching and then straight to the front door of The Educator Academy.
How the Educator Academy Makes Me a Better Teacher
From the first moments at Summer Institute, I knew I was in the right place. Everything we learn aligns with the way I now see and approach the world.
The application of EA learnings has greatly improved my approach to instruction and engagement compared to my time as a substitute teacher. My time at the EA has given me an important understanding of how students process information, build routines, and become independent learners, and it has deepened my understanding of how to support students in meaningful ways.
Following the EA’s core practices, I have worked to establish a classroom culture that fosters belonging and ensures all students are valued, seen, and heard. I also strive to make my instruction engaging and accessible to all learners. Through guided instruction and feedback, I ensure that students are not only challenged but also supported. Finally, I track and analyze data to identify patterns and adjust my instructional strategies accordingly.
By integrating these new insights, I have created a more engaging and effective learning environment and found myself happily in the place I never wanted to be. My journey is far from over, and I will continue reflecting on myself as an educator and improving my practice in ways that empower every student to reach their fullest potential.
Become a Teacher
You, too, can make a difference in your community by becoming a teacher! The Educator Academy’s residency program offers a unique opportunity to earn your teaching certification while gaining hands-on experience in the classroom—no prior education degree required, just a bachelor’s degree in any field.
Discover more about AmeriCorps and our Residency Program today!