TEAM SPOTLIGHT: JASMINE AHMED

Now in her fourth year at Harlem Academy, fourth grade teacher Jasmine Ahmed sets high expectations for her students — and for herself. And every achievement is worthy of celebration.

Why did you want to become a teacher?

Growing up, I didn’t see any teachers who looked like me: a girl with brown skin. I didn’t have many connections to my teachers, and I wanted to be what I lacked in my childhood. I wanted to be a teacher of color teaching students of color.

Why did you decide to teach at Harlem Academy? I noticed the strong sense of community immediately when I visited the school. Teachers across the grades knew students from other classes, and students were valued as human beings with emotions. I knew it was the right place for me.

What makes Harlem Academy students so special? Our students are our foundation. They care for their peers and teachers and make this school an amazing place to teach. My students bring compassion and a sense of humor to class each and every day.

What’s happening in your fourth-grade classroom? Students find motivation in elevating their learning. They come into my class with third-grade skills they feel confident in, and we take it a step further — to the next level.

For example, fourth grade is all about building a reader’s life in literacy. So, one of the literacy units focuses on how different characters hold different points of view. In math, students take their preliminary multiplication skills and apply them to multi-digit multiplication and long division problems. In science, students learn about earth science, in particular landforms and how different types of soils can be identified.

How do you see your role?

My role as an educator goes far beyond just teaching. It also includes being a caregiver, nurturer, ally, friend, and role model.

How do you approach teaching?

I am a demanding teacher who sets the bar high for my students. At the same time, I celebrate each win and goal achieved. My class philosophy is to educate my students, make sure they feel safe and comfortable, and have fun. These are three things I want to live up to each day when I come to school, and I make sure to tell that to my students. Then I ask them, “What are three things you want to live up to in the classroom?”

What impact do you hope to have on your students?

I hope to teach my students gratitude and kindness. I want to teach them that words can make or break a person, so choose your words wisely. The academics will always be there, but I want my students to be good human beings in the world first, before they make any further decisions.