Who are we? 

 A group of future art teachers who are immigrants/or belong to immigrant families residing in NYC learning to center the experiences and lives of our students in the classroom.

Maria 

While I was born in Ecuador and raised in the Bronx, New York, the root of all of my education begins within NYC DOE public schools. I have had the privilege of working with Black and Brown youth from the Bronx in several different educative spaces. My most recent has been in a public high school located in Soundview, The Bronx. Coincidently, the same neighborhood I was raised in. I have attended the same elementary school as many of my students and have very similar cultural backgrounds. Yet, similar to many other public schools in the Bronx, most of our students don't feel celebrated or uplifted. School is a task, not recognized as home. Despite my best efforts to treat students like family; with respect, kindness, and love, school is seen and felt as an institution. We as teachers have the smallest yet mightiest power to make that change! 

Annie

Coming from a traditional Asian immigrant community where education leaned heavily towards conservatism and authority figures, finding my voice and asserting myself wasn't straightforward. Yet, through art, I discovered a powerful means to express myself and engage with the world, enabling me to share my perspectives confidently. During my elementary and secondary student teaching, I observed the practical application of restorative justice principles, witnessing how to cultivate accountability, empathy, and community within the educational setting. This experience profoundly reshaped my perception of education, enlightening me about the potential for fostering inclusivity, support, and holistic growth through restorative practices for students.

Jovanny 

I attended title one schools for elementary and middle school. I subbed for a title one middle and high school. These experiences shaped the person I am today, which is a passionate educator committing to low income community schools. At my secondary placement I had the opportunity to become part of a consortium school and community. The structure of this consortium school was eye opening in terms of opportunities outside of school they offer and how teachers are being creative in how they teach in the space. This school offers students the chance to intern with organizations of interests outside of school and learn about common core subjects in a radical way. I had first hand insight on how restorative justice works and the effects it has to the students and community of the school. This experience influenced my teaching philosophy and reflect on what I can do to improve a space that I will be in.