MEET CHARLIE: MATH WHIZ, COMPUTER GURU, 12+ FELLOW EMERITUS

Charlie joined 12+ after working with another education nonprofit in Philadelphia. At Kensington Health Sciences, he has worn many hats, including (but not limited to) math tutor, 11th grade mentor, and computer guru. As he transitions to the next phase of his life in Texas, he shares his thoughts about 12+ and what it has meant to be a Fellow this past year:

...There are many things that I have learned during my time with 12 Plus. I think the one thing that will assist me in my future endeavors would be building relationships with students. As an educator, it is easy to simply become the bearer of knowledge without really getting to know the students. It is just as easy to become too friendly with the students and then; you are no longer the educator. There is a very fine line to building relationships with students while still being able to remain in control. I feel as though I learned a lot about balancing this fine line throughout my time with 12 Plus...

...My biggest breakthrough this year was simply transitioning over from the classroom to more of a mentor position. I was able to build relationships that I otherwise would not have been able to make because of the fact I was seen as a teacher. I know a lot of students still see me in that teacher role, but I think they are also more comfortable opening up to me now that I’m with 12 Plus...

...My time with 12 Plus has allowed me to grow as a person. I have had the opportunity to open up and realize the importance and impact of a good team. I am a very independent person, but I have learned that there is a time and place when it is more beneficial to collaborate as a team and work together to accomplish a goal. As a teacher it is easy to get into the mentality that you are alone and getting into the habit of doing your own thing within the building. I feel there needs to be more communication between the teachers to better assist the students and I will be able to bring that with me when I become a teacher.