Black Teachers Matter: Pam Gaddy

1. Why did you choose to teach? 

Teaching was not my first or second choice.  My English teacher persuaded me during the second semester of freshman year because I accommodated a classmate for a presentation.  Once I started taking education courses, it began to feel natural.  After my first “real-time’ teaching experience, I knew I wanted to teach and was excited about going into teaching.  I enjoyed working with students and sharing my experiences and passion for history.

2. Does representation matter in the classroom? Why or why not?

Absolutely, representation matters! I teach high school 11^th and 12^th graders currently.  Many will say that they have never had a Black teacher at this level of their high school careers.  My Black and white students have shown appreciation of what I present in the classroom that other teachers would not attempt. Having a teacher or a person of academic authority as a role model who looks like the student and, in my case, a large population of students can create a sense of security, an opportunity to be seen understood, and valued.  However, in my 27 years, I’ve also witnessed where Black educators have been destructive to Black students.

3. Can you name another educator who impacted you as a teacher? 

My 12^th grade English teacher, Ms. Mary Frances West, from Lake Clifton Eastern High School.  I model much of how I teach and empathize with my students from her. She never cut corners or sugarcoated things, but she gave 1000% of her all in and outside of class. I keep in touch with her and lean on her for advice when needed.

4. What is your vision of a leader? 

A leader is a person who isn’t afraid to ask for help when needed.  A person who doesn’t see themselves as superior to another person. A person is willing to roll up their sleeves and return to the trenches if it means alleviating stress from those who depend on them. A leader is a person who accepts their shortcomings and works to make themselves a better person, not a better leader.  This person can fall into line with what is needed but still have the balance to delegate authority when needed and identify strengths to elevate them into leadership.

5. What are your current goals? Personal or professional? 

Professionally, I plan to retire from the classroom within the next five years but stay within the educational system, possibly assisting students and families in need outside of school or mentoring new teachers/student interns preparing to enter the field of education.

Personally, I will continue to put my mental and physical health first. I want to keep my family a priority and continue to grow in my role as a mother, friend, and sister.

6. What is the most challenging and best part of teaching?

Rewards- I know what I do is not in vain.  Seeing former students graduate from college, share their travel experiences, become social reform advocates in their communities, and include me in their successes.  That is the most wonderful part.

Challenges- The state, school system, administration, and PARENTS have allowed these youngsters to live without consequences for behavior and performance. There are truly NO protections for educators in the school building.  Our mental and physical safety is often ignored to appease folk who have never taught, won’t teach, can’t teach but make legislation regarding teaching and teachers.  The absence of parent involvement and accountability is at an all-time high, and society continues to coddle these undesirable behaviors, attitudes, and performances.  But blame teachers.

7. How do you stay motivated?

Retirement and my pension keeps me motivated. I am fueled with a sense of making a difference, but it is often swiped away with the daily challenges of staying afloat. I am motivated by the idea of being the change I want for another person.  I come in every day with the notion that I could make a difference for someone in the future.

8. What would you share if you could pass on any wisdom to your students?

1. You are responsible for you.  You can not blame your parents, your teachers, your environment, or your circumstances.  You are bigger and stronger than your environment. You just must believe it.  
2. Walk into EVERY room as if you called the meeting.