I Want To See Students Who Look Like Me Succeed
Original post can be found here: I Want To See Students Who Look Like Me Succeed
This month we are spotlighting middle school math teacher Jonathan Walker. Growing up, Jonathan found heroes close to home in his schools and classrooms, who inspired him to become a proud African-American male STEM teacher, grade level chair, disruptor of educational inequity, and visionary with a dream to lead Philadelphia schools with the KIPP Philly team and family.
Jonathan Walker first taught at Mastery Charter Schools for 4 years, then spent 2 years at KIPP New Jersey, before making KIPP West Philadelphia Preparatory School his home. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Teaching from Cheyney University, and a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Administration from Neuman College. He is a native of Washington D.C.
Jonathan’s mother played a foundational role in his academic success and eventual interest in teaching by placing him in the care of great teachers that nourished his love for school and learning. His teachers served as mentors and role models that pushed him to grow his intellectual and extracurricular interests. He says, “As a kid I always wanted to be a teacher. My favorite teachers, Mr. Ward, Mr. Burwell, Ms. Walls, and Mr. Gardner, inspired me to teach, because they cared. They taught with love and passion. They demanded more of me.” Jonathan replicates this dynamic at KIPP Philly with his students by “calling them kings and queens; brothers and sisters; a team and family.” He also adds high five’s and hugs into his recipe for successfully interacting with both his students and teaching colleagues. Jonathan establishes the same respect, integrity, accountability, and high standards among students and teachers at KIPP alike.
As a KIPP Philly teacher, Jonathan explains that he cherishes “seeing results in the kids…It makes me love what I do.” In his classroom, students with learning deficiencies in math or reading enhance their skills and fully grasp the material with Jonathan’s thoughtful feedback and instruction. His teaching technique encourages students to teach and help one another.
Jonathan provides students with the confidence to succeed, despite the academic challenges they may face. He explains, “I stressed with all my students that they were meant to succeed. …My motto in my classroom since 2011 is, “If I Try, I CAN!” My students know to be proud of who they are, and that they are the future. I build relationships with my students in a positive way. I let them have a voice. I let them lead together and learn from one another.” In Jonathan’s classroom, his students’ knowledge and power lead one another to new heights of academic achievement and camaraderie.
Jonathan has a creative approach to drive students toward their goals. He is always “making sure kids feel affirmed and challenged” Jonathan nurtures a positive environment in which he offers “positive affirmations with kids letting them know what they can do.” He describes himself as a “positive joy bug” who strives to be both loving and demanding.
“As an African American Male Educator in West Philadelphia, I have a large task to accomplish. [There is] a lot that I must, model, and represent. First, I always have to be willing to teach not tell my students. I have to stick to making sure the students I serve understand that education is a priority. In the school I have to model the image of what a young man is, and ways he behaves, and interacts. Serving African Americans students is a privilege because I desire to see people who look like me succeed. I connect with my students and their parents.”
We celebrate Jonathan because we believe that his impact not only helps students succeed, but lifts students up to become dynamic leaders who will change the course of history through critical thinking, strong character, and deep gratitude.
