The only thing I decided to hold on to from my fifteen-year career in corporate marketing and communications has been my appreciation for and love of photography and design. Once you get to know me you’ll learn that I almost always have my camera with me, ready to capture a moment that feels extraordinary in the ordinary.
While I deeply enjoyed the variety of responsibilities I had to express my creativity as an executive for billion-dollar businesses, relocating my family across state lines five times forced me to reflect on the relationship between change and balance. With every move came a disruption that required time and patience with the pivot. But the upside was that everything was fresh, and I began to recognize talents that either went unnoticed or didn’t have the time to pursue before.
So, after our move to New Jersey I made the decision to be ok with taking a time out from corporate life. When asked, I simply shared that it was time to pivot again.
It was only natural for me to begin exploring education. Initially my motivation was to support my daughter’s teachers and help out her school as an active volunteer. But, with each volunteer responsibility my desire to be part of a school community in a more meaningful way grew stronger. I found it thrilling that, through my influence, I was empowering learners to foster their curiosity and critical thinking. Daily smiles and fist pumps from students was all the encouragement I needed to be a part of cultivating their strengths and passions. I wanted to become a teacher…
Of course, with this new direction came thoughts about who I aspired to be like. Professor P was my all-time favorite teacher. I loved him because he treated us like adults with a serious point of view. I also loved Mrs. B. She believed in me the most. Adoring these teachers who helped shape the person that I am today is really as simple as that. They told me that I was a star and valued what I had to say. When it comes to being the good kind of memorable and my future teaching career, I aspire to be like Professor P and Mrs. B.
Because of my past, I naturally bring an awareness and sensitivity to diversity of thought. I feel protective of other’s feelings, and value compassion, kindness, and the freedom of expression. I’ve also learned how to raise my voice in order to be heard or choosing to observe and listen, instead of stifling, demeaning or dampening for winning’s sake. I know that reflecting these qualities and leading through my example will be important in my classroom, and that I’m in charge of setting the tone. Most recently I was paid a high and unexpected compliment, “Anitra, thank you for your steady approach. I can always count on you to firm but fair.”
If I could use just one word to describe all of this, and the goal for my teaching philosophy and classroom culture it would be: RISE. To require my students to be honest and fair, to do better and be better even if just a little bit, and to know that all of life’s challenges are an opportunity to learn and grow.