Interview with JAM Paper 2017 Teacher Scholarship Winner

By Andrew Jacobs
Aug 23, 2017

Interview with JAM Paper 2017 Teacher Scholarship Winner: Kwamae Nelson

So to start things off, what level of teaching do you intend to pursue? From reading your essay, we think you’d make an awesome professor.

I would love to begin my teaching career in the middle school level. The middle school time is an interesting experience where students begin to ask questions about themselves and the world that surrounds them. During this time, the influence of peers, instructors, and the material taught are enormously important in the lifelong development of the student. I’ve rarely thought of becoming a college professor though. That might come along at some point in my life.

What specifically, if anything, made you want to become a teacher?

Going through high school and middle school feeling like school is a waste of time when I loved elementary school so much. I was never taught the importance of learning and utilizing what one has learned in life until I got to college and began applying my knowledge to life that I realized how much of an impact school and teachers have on students.

In your essay, you spoke about how when you got to college you were shocked to learn that minorities had positively contributed to American history. What was the most shocking thing that you learned from your college education in regards to race, ethnicity, and our country’s history?

The impact of naming and the systematic implications of why this country is the way it is towards certain peoples. For example, utilizing the term minorities when referring to people of color, however if you think about it, people of color are the majority and white people are truly the minorities. Just labeling people of color as minorities means that there is a group who is the majority and that naming holds power even if people do not realize it. No matter how many people deny it, race and ethnicity will always be an important part of this country’s history. The method in which this country was built upon the backs of slavery, and how that not only affected sciences that were studied and the laws that were made, but also the financial state of the descendants. There is a group who profits from slavery still to this day even though slavery is not practiced. That along, with laws such as the Jim Crow laws which prevented groups from obtaining loans to create businesses, buying land, vote along with many other social impacts contributed to the science that attempted to prove that one group is inferior to another group scientifically. This shocked me at first, not because of the content, but because it took me almost twenty years to put into words what I have felt for so long growing up in this country.

With that being said, was there a specific moment in your pre-college education in which you questioned what you were being taught? Can you describe it to us?

Not that I can think of. My entire pre-college education I kind of apathetically went through the motions. My goal was to graduate, not learn so I did not pay as much attention to the content I was being taught.

With our country being seemingly more divided now than ever, how does education play into your vision of the future? Essentially, what do you want to teach future generations about specifically?

I envision an educated populous that makes decision for the benefit of humankind, not just the benefit of countries or groups. In order for this to happen, the truth must become the norm. Governments must be honest with their peoples. This will start when the people who obtain those positions in government hold those morals. I hold a firm belief that the younger generation, if instructed in an empowering, engaging, and inspiring way, will have all of the tools necessary to bring about positive change in this world. I want to inspire students to utilize their education in their lives to bring about change that will liberate all people in the world.

Interview conducted by Sam Ruck, Digital Marketing Analyst of JAM Paper

Posted in In the News

← PREVIOUS

JAM Paper Teacher Scholarship Winner 2017

Simple and Colorful DIY Centerpieces with Wrapping Paper and Ribbon

2017 Teacher Scholarship Winner

Key Summary:

This article will introduce the 2017 Teacher Scholarship Winner and highlight their journey to success in education.
Brief overview of the importance of scholarships in education and the impact they have on students pursuing a career in teaching.
Details about the recipient's background, education, passion for teaching, application process, selection criteria, impact of the scholarship, and tips for applying for scholarships in education.

Scholarships play a crucial role in supporting students pursuing a career in teaching. In this article, we will introduce the 2017 Teacher Scholarship Winner and share their inspiring journey to success in education. We will also discuss the importance of scholarships in education and how they can impact students' career goals. Additionally, we will provide detailed information about the recipient's background, education, passion for teaching, the application process, selection criteria, and tips for applying for scholarships in education. Stay tuned to learn more about the impact of scholarships in the field of education.

Background of the Teacher Scholarship Winner

The 2017 Teacher Scholarship Winner, Sarah Johnson, comes from a small town in the Midwest where she discovered her passion for teaching at a young age. Sarah pursued a degree in education at a local university and excelled in her coursework, demonstrating a strong commitment to making a difference in the lives of her future students.

Passion for Teaching

Sarah's passion for teaching stems from her own experiences in the classroom as a student. She had teachers who inspired and encouraged her, and she wants to pay it forward by becoming an educator who motivates and supports her students.

Application Process and Selection Criteria

The application process for the teacher scholarship required candidates to submit an essay detailing their reasons for pursuing a career in education, along with letters of recommendation from professors and mentors. The selection committee looked for candidates who demonstrated a strong commitment to teaching, academic excellence, and leadership potential.

Essay Requirements

The essay portion of the application asked candidates to reflect on their personal experiences in education and explain how they plan to make a positive impact in the field of teaching. Sarah's essay stood out for its heartfelt message and clear articulation of her goals as an educator.

Impact of the Scholarship

Receiving the teacher scholarship had a profound impact on Sarah's education and career goals. The financial support allowed her to focus on her studies without the burden of student loans, giving her the freedom to explore different teaching methods and strategies in the classroom.

Professional Development Opportunities

With the scholarship funds, Sarah was able to attend professional development workshops and conferences to enhance her teaching skills and network with other educators. These opportunities helped her grow as a teacher and prepare for a successful career in education.

Real World Use Cases and How To Do It

For students interested in applying for scholarships in education, it is essential to start early and research available opportunities. Look for scholarships specific to your field of study or career goals, and tailor your application to highlight your passion for teaching and commitment to making a difference in the lives of students.

Networking and Mentorship

Building relationships with professors, mentors, and other educators can also help you stand out as a scholarship candidate. Seek guidance from experienced teachers and ask for letters of recommendation to support your application.

Who Should Apply for this Scholarship

Students who are pursuing a career in education and are passionate about making a difference in the lives of students

Undergraduate and graduate students studying education or related fields
Individuals with a strong commitment to teaching and leadership potential
Students who demonstrate academic excellence and a desire to grow professionally

When to Consider Applying for Scholarships

Students should start researching and applying for scholarships in education early in their academic careers to maximize their chances of success

Begin researching scholarship opportunities during the freshman or sophomore year of college
Check for application deadlines and requirements well in advance to allow time for preparation
Consider applying for scholarships throughout the academic year to increase your chances of receiving financial support

Examples of Successful Scholarship Applications

Several past scholarship winners have shared their experiences and how the scholarship helped them achieve their goals in education

Case Study 1: Emily's Journey to Becoming a Teacher

Emily received the scholarship in her junior year of college and used the funds to complete her student teaching requirements
The scholarship allowed Emily to focus on her coursework and gain valuable experience in the classroom
After graduation, Emily secured a teaching position at a local elementary school and continues to make a positive impact on her students

Case Study 2: Miguel's Path to Educational Leadership

Miguel applied for the scholarship during his graduate studies and used the funds to attend a leadership conference
The scholarship opened doors for Miguel to network with other educators and explore opportunities for professional growth
Today, Miguel is a school administrator and credits the scholarship for helping him advance in his career

What Sets Our Product Apart

Our product stands out from the competition due to its innovative features and user-friendly design. We prioritize customer satisfaction and continuously strive to improve our product based on user feedback. With a focus on quality and reliability, our product offers a seamless experience for all users.

Innovative Features

Our product includes cutting-edge features that enhance functionality and user experience. From advanced customization options to intuitive navigation, our product is designed to meet the diverse needs of our customers.

Potential Applications of Our Product

Our product is versatile and can be used in a variety of settings to streamline processes and improve efficiency. Whether you are a small business owner looking to boost productivity or a student seeking to enhance your learning experience, our product has something to offer for everyone.

Business Solutions

Our product can be utilized by businesses to manage tasks, collaborate with team members, and track progress on projects. With features like real-time updates and data analytics, our product helps businesses make informed decisions and drive growth.

Maximizing Your Experience with Our Product

To get the most out of your adventure with our product, we recommend exploring all the features and functionalities it has to offer. Take advantage of tutorials and resources available to learn how to use our product effectively and efficiently.

Training and Support

Our customer support team is available to assist you with any questions or issues you may encounter while using our product. Additionally, we offer training sessions and webinars to help you master the ins and outs of our product and optimize your experience.

Final Reflections

Scholarships in education play a vital role in supporting students like the 2017 Teacher Scholarship Winner, Sarah Johnson, on their journey to success in teaching. By providing financial assistance, professional development opportunities, and networking resources, scholarships can help aspiring educators achieve their goals and make a positive impact in the lives of students. As you consider applying for scholarships in education, remember to showcase your passion for teaching, academic excellence, and commitment to professional growth. With dedication and perseverance, you too can follow in the footsteps of past scholarship winners and make a difference in the field of education.