We asked our Educators Rising students about the most valuable leadership opportunities they’ve had at school, why those opportunities were so important, and what they learned from them.
Being an Educators Rising officer
In my school, I serve in many different leadership positions, including pathway ambassador, stage manager, and historian for the National Honor Society. I have learned a lot from all these positions; however, I feel the most important has been my role in Educators Rising.
I have served as treasurer, social media manager, and president at the chapter level, as well as being a Delaware state officer and national ambassador. My role in Educators Rising has allowed me to grow and learn so much as a person. I have had more opportunities to work with kids and my community and increase my leadership and speaking skills. Not only did I grow from these positions, but I have also been able to grow my chapter by organizing fundraisers, using social media, and increasing our membership.
Sarah Steeves
12th grade | Appoquinimink High School Middletown, Delaware
Leading students as a drum major
The most valuable leadership opportunity I’ve had at my school was being a first-year drum major last year. This opportunity will always hold a special place in my heart because of the trials and tribulations I had.
Being able to lead a group of teenagers that are about the same age as you is intimidating but exciting at the same time. I’m a people person, and I like to see others succeed and grow, so it was right up my alley to lead this group.
I’ve learned how to be patient, accountable, aware of what’s going on, and most importantly a good listener. I’ve always made sure that whenever someone was talking to me, I paid attention to what they were saying and understood where they were coming from. I can certainly say this position has taught me a lot and that I’m definitely ready for any other leadership position that rolls my way.
Elbert Earl Thomas
12th grade | Yazoo County High School
Yazoo City, Mississippi
Competing and leading in TAFE and EdRising
My school has provided me with so many incredible leadership opportunities, and I am fortunate to have the opportunities that I do. However, the most valuable leadership experience I have is through the Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE) and Educators Rising. This is my third year as a TAFE and Educators Rising member and competitor, and I have grown tremendously during my time in these organizations.
I didn’t decide on teaching as a profession until I joined these organizations and was exposed to the different perspectives and attitudes surrounding education. These organizations gave me a place to be proud of my career choice and an opportunity to be surrounded by like-minded people. My confidence as a freshman and my confidence as a senior are completely different. I am thankful I decided to join these organizations, and I am grateful for a school and community that uplifts its future generations.
Ivy Grace Smith 12th grade | Cleburne High school | Cleburne, Texas
Being an AFJROTC Corps Commander
The most valuable leadership opportunity I have had at my school was being selected to be the AFJROTC Corps Commander. This means I am the head cadet of the entire 160+ cadet corps and in charge of all the activities and events run by the corps.
I learned just how important respect is, and how it is a two-way street. To be a good leader, you need to respect not only those who are above you, but also those who are below you on the chain of command. If you respect those below you, they in turn will respect you more and be happy and motivated to complete whatever objectives or tasks you give them.
Calvin Plante
12th grade | Pinkerton Academy
Derry, new Hampshire
Representing the dorm floor
I think that the most valuable leadership opportunity I’ve had at my university is the opportunity to be a representative for my dorm floor. It was very valuable for me because it allowed me to connect with the students on my floor.
As a person of color at a predominantly white institution, I’ve found it difficult at times to connect with my peers. This opportunity allowed me to not only connect with other students, but also to facilitate an environment for them to connect with each other. I learned that finding common ground and taking time to build relationships is very important.
Taylor Jenkins
First-year college student |
University of Delaware | Newark
Learning to lead through clubs
The most valuable leadership opportunities I’ve gotten at school have been through many of our different clubs. We have a student organization called Blue Crew that helps out all of the freshmen with beginning their high school careers. I also have had the opportunity of holding an officer position in the National Honor Society, as well as multiple leadership opportunities through Educators Rising.
The most important opportunity for me was the competition I did this previous school year for Educators Rising, where I created and installed a sensory hallway to help students in local elementary schools. I learned organizational skills, group coordinating skills, and more.
Brooke Hess
12th grade | Sheboygan North High School
Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Managing money for FCCLA
For me, the best opportunity was being treasurer for Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). Being over the money and raising money was a big deal.
Hailey Calderon
12th grade | Lafayette County High school
Stamps, Arkansas
