Troy Smith
Effectiveness Coach and ITF alum
Why do you think educators are so important right now?
I believe educators are a vital component of the ethos of our society. The need to help our young scholars become critical thinkers and competent leaders begins with highly qualified educators equipping and educating them.
What impact have you seen this program have on the community?
I have seen Indianapolis Teaching Fellows equip over 600 educators/leaders to go into our underserved communities with the singular focus of providing scholars with an equitable education.
What makes this program so special?
Its collective commitment to equipping educators/leaders to be culturally responsive and inclusive to all scholars. We do this while providing the “why” behind the need to hold the line for teaching grade–level curriculum and maintaining high expectations, academically and behaviorally.
What does justice in education mean to you?
Justice in education, to me, means that each scholar should be given the same opportunities to be college and career ready, regardless of ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status, or religious affiliation. In short, all scholars have the right to receive an equitable education, without pretense, prejudice, or presupposition.
What keeps you motivated in this work?
The call to equip and educate the next generation of leaders. As an African American man, I would have loved to have had/benefited from having more educators who looked like me and could have identified with the cultural struggles that I was having as a scholar. I am compelled and committed to investing in as many educators/leaders as I can, people who are dedicated and driven to close the educational/instructional gap in our underserved communities.