InClass

Discover how community inclusion benefits true leadership.

Two years ago, Collaborative Engagement to Nurture Talent and Educate Responsively (CENTER) opened its doors. And at the center of its success in the international community is educator Julie Kasper. (Read more about Kasper’s involvement in the Tucson Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest program here.)

Despite over two years of 12-hour days, the Board-certified teacher knows her efforts are making a difference. Whether it’s students bringing refugee friends to CENTER for the first time or hard-working individuals preparing to graduate high school having never received an education until coming to the U.S. as teenagers, Kasper celebrates all successes, big and small.

While the work is not sustainable with one person in the driver seat, she believes that with a team of teacher and community partners, anything is possible.

“Teacher leadership is intrinsic. As teachers, we lead every day in our classrooms, schools, and communities. We are able to take it further than the daily practice of guiding children in their learning, resourcing our classrooms, and connecting with community,” Kasper says. “However, teachers who recognize they are leaders take risks. They advocate for their students, their communities, and themselves as professionals. Teacher leaders consider what is and imagine what can be. Then, they do something to help move from where we are to where we want or need to be.”

Watch how Kasper transformed her passion into action below, and learn about her story here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tqlyc1MpFbo