Students of today are the leaders of tomorrow and Lawrence Washington is dedicated to supporting them to the very end. As an administrator/principal for a K-12 school district, he thinks that how well students learn in school will impact society’s future. His dedication is deeply rooted in his passion for education, and the mentorship to make teachers more effective. “Teachers and students have a particular relationship and dynamic that is so impactful on the success of the students that it needs to be acknowledged. We need to train mentors and educators so that they can offer the best for their students.
Lawrence Washington is passionately devoted to his career because he believes so deeply about the impact of teaching today’s youth. “I really want to do everything I can to strengthen the relationship between teachers and students because it is so important to connect with and support them. When those kids graduate high school ready for the next chapter of their lives, it’s very satisfying to know I’ve had a part in that,” he says.
“I have always wanted to work in education and be an influence and guide for students,”
Lawrence explains. “So I got my master’s degree in curriculum, instruction, and supervision, and became an English teacher in 1995. I loved every bit of it. It was so amazing to work with them and watch them progress.”
Lawrence’s rapport with students and his leadership skills were noticeable, and he eventually rose to become the Dean of Students. He says that he enjoyed his job a lot because he was able to support the entire student body and implement programs that strengthened their academic performance. “I learned so much in this position that from there, I became an assistant principal and eventually progressed to being a principal/ director. I really have been fortunate, because by working both in the classroom and in administration, I’ve developed a diverse skill set. I have experience in teaching, of course, as well as in diversity and inclusion, HR, curriculum writing, behavior management, and leadership. Hopefully I will be able to use that experience to become the superintendent of a school district in about five years.”
He believes that part of his role as administrator/principal includes mentoring aspiring education professionals, so he is always available for friendly advice. “I suggest that they stay in college and get something higher than a bachelor’s degree. It just isn’t enough anymore, honestly. With a higher degree, you will have more career options. Another very valuable skill is being bilingual. Spanish is useful, but there are also other languages that can benefit you. I also recommend that people who want to work in education learn classroom management and leadership.”
Lawrence says that anyone who works in schools, be it in a classroom or in administration, is an educator. “That includes me. Each day, I remind myself that I must help students grow academically, morally, and socially. I try to pay close attention to each student I meet and to understand their unique personality and learning style. Doing so means that I can enable each student to grow to become the life-long learner and active citizen needed in our society. In short, I do all that I can to ensure that all students learn and are successful. It’s a good feeling when I see that happen.”
How success is defined will depend on the student, of course. As Lawrence explains, “It’s tied to how much they grow personally. This growth is the spirit of our challenge in school. Without educational growth, there can be no learning.”
He says that teachers can help by remembering that appropriate learning takes place through many different experiences. “This means that activities must be designed to lead the student from practical issues to theoretical principles. Learning also occurs as students freely engage in making choices while weighing personal responsibilities and the possible consequences of their actions. It is our role as educators to present principles, values, and reasons to students and to encourage them to examine the choices and decide whether or not to accept them.”
He stresses that a diversity of learning styles among students is necessary. “I believe in providing a variety of strategies to make learning accessible to all students. When I teach, it is important that I find ways to utilize those differences in a democratic atmosphere that fosters cooperation rather than competition. Group work plays a large role, for it allows both a hands-on investigation of the content and an opportunity to build social skills. It also allows for individual strengths to be highlighted within the safety of the group. Students can practice critical reading and writing in activities that demand an exploration of ideas and hypotheses after careful research and planning. They can also express their ideas in ways other than writing; posters, stories, three-dimensional art, and role-playing are some of the alternative activities available in my class.”
Lawrence says that when these ideas are implemented in a classroom, the transformation a student undergoes can be remarkable. “They are allowed to really learn and express themselves in ways that are natural to them. They can blossom and discover that education really can be fun.”
Education is so important, yet often overlooked. The world needs more passionate, dedicated educators that understand their role and place in their student’s lives. “I want nothing more than to help others be more effective teachers and mentors and continue to help and educate students to be their best selves,” Lawrence says, smiling.
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