“. . . A group of students thanked me for being a teacher. . . I felt so happy after they told me that. . . [it] leaves you with a greater [sense of] gratitude.” That’s how third year Biology and GWTeach student, Lorenzo Lopes, described his best experience as a member of the GWTeach program thus far.
Lopes, who is also a Learning Assistant (LA), says that his experience with the program is far from what most might expect from a traditional classroom semester.
“This course [and program] is located all over D.C. From a middle school in Columbia Heights—to a kindergarten class in NOMA. All of the knowledge you learn is directly applied in these classrooms around D.C.” GWTeach has active field experience placements at more than 25 schools across all 8 wards of D.C.
Beyond practical classroom applications, Lorenzo has embraced the craft of asking questions. He describes not only an enhancement in engaging with students while teaching—but notices how he is engaging these skills while serving as an LA for Biology.
“My ‘why’ is [built on] the basis of wanting to help everybody,” Lopes said. “I love seeing people feel happy or empowered and if knowledge is a way for me to help them get to that happiness then bet your top dollar that I am gonna do that.”
Lorenzo plans on pursuing more courses that allow for him to expand upon his knowledge of teaching, learning, and education as a whole.
When asked why students should consider becoming a part of GWTeach, Lopes acknowledged his own initial fears about the unknown, but urged students to call on their courage and lean in, “While being thrown into the deep end may be scary for a lot of people, the course is built to mold you into being comfortable in teaching and also leaves you with a deeper gratitude in knowing you helped educate the next generation.”
Course registration for Spring 2022 opens later this month. If you are interested in enrolling in a GWTeach course for Spring 2022 and have questions, please email GWTeach at gwteach
gwu [dot] edu (gwteach[at]gwu[dot]edu).
