Spotlight: Service & Growth in Philadelphia

Teaching and Learning in a Dynamic Environment 

Maia’s daily routine involved collaborating with fellow student teachers in a supportive and fun environment, receiving regular coaching from professional educators, and engaging with highly motivated students. “I teach 7th-grade science and a filmmaking class, working closely with other student teachers and receiving guidance from experienced educators,” she shared. This hands-on experience was pivotal in developing her lesson planning, classroom management, and instructional strategies.

Gaining and Applying New Skills

Throughout the residency, Maia gained extensive skills in lesson planning, nurturing classroom culture, and employing effective instructional strategies. She also enhanced her leadership abilities and learned to collaborate with colleagues and students from diverse backgrounds. “I’ve learned to tailor my teaching methods to meet individual students’ needs, which has created a supportive and inclusive classroom environment,” she explained.

Maia’s commitment to servant leadership shone through her interactions with students. By actively listening to them and empowering them with leadership roles in projects, such as directing or editing in the filmmaking class, she fostered a sense of community and teamwork. “I mentor a group of students, offering guidance and support to help them overcome challenges,” she added, highlighting her dedication to student development.

Challenging Assumptions and Embracing Flexibility

One of the most eye-opening aspects of Maia’s summer was realizing that middle school students could be highly enthusiastic about science. “I assumed middle school students might not be interested in science, but I’ve discovered that with engaging and interactive methods, they are incredibly eager to learn,” she noted. This revelation underscored the importance of flexibility and adaptability in teaching, as each student’s learning style is unique.

Exceeding Expectations and Embracing Rewards

Reflecting on her experience, Maia found that her summer at Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia exceeded her expectations. “While I anticipated it to be challenging, the level of student engagement and enthusiasm, as well as the strong support from coworkers and professional educators, has been incredibly rewarding,” she said. The most fulfilling moments came from seeing the excitement and creativity in students as they engaged with science experiments and filmmaking projects.

Future Plans and Advice for Aspiring Educators

Maia’s summer experience reinforced her passion for teaching and provided her with valuable lessons that she plans to incorporate into her future academic and personal life. She intends to use the hands-on and interactive teaching methods she developed to make science and other subjects more engaging for her students. Additionally, she plans to continue exploring creative projects like filmmaking to inspire and engage students in new ways.

For students considering a similar summer experience, Maia offers this advice: “Be open-minded, patient, and willing to collaborate with others. Engaging with students through interactive and creative methods can make a significant impact, and the experience will be incredibly rewarding. Embrace the challenges and opportunities for growth, even when your day is difficult!”

Maia Solomon’s summer in Philadelphia was a period of profound growth and inspiration. Her dedication to teaching and her ability to adapt and connect with students not only enriched her skills but also left a lasting impact on the students she mentored. As she moves forward, Maia is equipped with a renewed passion for education and a toolkit of innovative strategies to inspire the next generation of learners.

The Caldwell Fellows Program’s experiential learning grant enabled Maia to directly apply the servant leadership skills she’s been developing in a real-world context. Her experience exemplifies the transformative power of experiential learning, highlighting the importance of commitment, servant leadership, and ethical considerations in education. We are grateful to the many donors and supporters that make this type of experience possible.

If you’d like to learn more about how you can contribute to the Caldwell Fellows model of experiential learning and servant leadership, visit our Giving page.