On Changing the World, One Student at a Time: Dr. Nadia Lopez
Principal, Educational Leader, Author, and Guest Blogger Dr. Nadia Lopez Shares How She Sets Out to Make a Difference
“If people could see that change comes about as a result of millions of tiny acts that seem totally insignificant, well then they wouldn’t hesitate to take those tiny acts.”- Howard Zinn
“Education can, and should be, dangerous”- Howard Zinn
When I became a principal, my goal was not to simply to create an academic institution that focused on exams, but a holistic learning environment where children could thrive from a safe space that honored their voices. My goal was to empower the next generation of students to become advocates and explorers of the truth. During my journey as a teacher, I realized that while many of my students were creative and wildly imaginative, they faced systemic disadvantages that were not their fault. These systemic disadvantages were reinforced by institutional roadblocks that required an incredible amount of thoughtful and critical analysis. This discovery informed my transition from the classroom into the Principal’s office.
As a principal, one of my focuses has been bridging the resource gap that directly corresponds to the achievement gap and cultural disconnect in under-served communities. It was about creating a culture of high expectations and having my scholar understand that they must make education a priority for success. This means that when a scholar has unexcused absences, I will show up to their homes to check in and hold the parents accountable. This also means that if a household is so economically challenged I will provide my scholars with their uniforms and schools supplies to ensure they are prepared to work. And this also means that when a gang is threatening the perimeter of the school and preventing a healthy learning environment, my staff and I will canvass the perimeter of the school and speak directly to the gang members to encourage responsible community building. As you can tell from my examples, my biggest challenges are never really inside of the classrooms. These are the systemic disadvantages that many in my community face.
Oftentimes, disruptive classroom behavior and academic performance issues are the result of post traumatic stress issues. This is often the result of issues of violence, abandonment, mental or physical abuse, and circumstances associated with poverty. Taking that into consideration determines suspension, which is often a temporary solution that never solves a long-term problem. Further, if a child has anxiety surrounding school or academic under-performance, a school suspension is a reward for bad behavior. We must inspire the next generation of discoverers, inventors, leaders and world changers, not lead them to a pathway to the prison pipeline.
I started this blog off with the two Zinn quotes because I believe they are incredibly important to the discussion of education. We have to see our work as important and groundbreaking. We are on the frontlines of a revolution with our children and we have the ability to inform them with the truth that will free them from mistakes of previous generations. This is a dangerous proposition because it means that we have the power to change the world….one student at a time.
Dr. Nadia Lopez
Founding Principal of Mott Hall Bridges Academy, Dr. Nadia Lopez is pioneering a leadership path showing under-privileged communities creating positive institutions that have global impact. In 2015 a HONY fundraiser raised $1.4 million to provide Nadia’s students college trips and scholarships. As a result, Nadia has appeared on the Ellen Show, visited President Obama, and received the Medal of Distinction from Barnard College. Dr. Lopez also became a Black Girls Rock Change Agent and TED Fellow.
When 13-year-old Vidal Chastanet was stopped by a photographer on the street, he told Brandon Stanon, founder of the social media phenomeonon, Humans of New York, some truly amazing things about his prinicpal, Dr. Nadia Lopez. But neither student nor principal could have known that the encounter would lead to a massive fundraiser, a meeting with President Obama, an appearance on “Ellen”, and national recognition for educational excellence. Read more about what Dr. Lopez’s student had to say about her, in front of the entire nation:
To get inspired about re-entering the educational space this fall or simply to be reminded why your work is so very important, visit our collection of teacher perspectives at The Art of Teaching. For inspiration on how to have a great season, visit our Back to School Pinterest Board.
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