Transcript

STUDENT 1

Well, we found that they have

MS. BELAYET

In our classrooms, we have a whole diverse group of students who come to us. I have the opportunity to really broaden their understanding so that when they step outside, they approach every situation, every person with an open mind because the person that they see in front of the classroom, she’s different.

STUDENT 2

This?

MR. MANNY

That’s nice, Flower.

Children, especially at this age, need positive role models. A lot of students come from single-parent household. Maybe they don’t have a male figure at home, and they need someone to look up to, especially the boys.

Was that airplane, ruler?

MR. JABDUIN

And to see successful minority teacher who’s reflective of them, I think it’s a powerful message.

TEACHER

The teachers wear so many other hats, we’re like coaches, we’re counselors, we are father figures, we’re all these different things, because these are what our students need.

MS. BELAYET

We need a thin area.

It’s not only about teaching students content and taking tests. It’s about growth as a person.