For my Laidlaw Leadership-in-Action project I spent seven weeks in Denver, Colorado working for Generation Teach, an AmeriCorps program. Generation Teach’s vision is to combat systemic inequities in America’s education system. This value is rooted in its staff training, curriculum, and approach to classroom discipline. As part of the program I taught two law, essentially civics and debate, classes to seventh grade students as well as athletics and advisory courses. I also developed curriculum alongside my supervisor, planned two field trips involving over 200 students, and facilitated community engagement through events with parents and families.

My time at Generation Teach was my first experience in education, so this was a learning experience. Training and the weeks in the classroom allowed me to develop my conflict de-escalation, mediation, and public speaking abilities. Teaching also taught me how to remain flexible when curriculum had to be adapted to meet students’ needs, sometimes mid-class. The ability to be flexible in the face of challenges is a critical skill not only in teaching but also other careers. Furthermore, several instances of curriculum adaption were intended to make lessons more inclusive. This taught me how to make presentations more accessible to the audience by taking accommodations into consideration. Although this was specific to classroom accommodations, the conscious effort to make experiences more accessible to one’s audience is undoubtedly a transferrable skill.

Additionally, the curriculum presented a great opportunity to introduce students to the legal system and debating while exploring current events they may not cover during the traditional school year. It was incredibly fulfilling to see students engage with the material during debates, grow passionate about certain topics, and, in some cases, discover a potential interest in further legal studies.

This experience also provided me with greater insight into how schools function on the administrative level. The continued support from my supervisor, the directors, and my fellow teachers demonstrated how collaboration is necessary to effective teaching. I am grateful to have had their advice regarding how to best resolve conflicts or approach editing curriculum.

On a personal note, this Leadership-in-Action project was my first time traveling to the western United States so it was interesting to learn of the similarities and many differences between the East Coast and Colorado. Living, working, and commuting in an unfamiliar place was a great experience and a glimpse into how life with a full-time job may be post-graduation.

Although I do not want to pursue a career in education, I nevertheless believe my time with Generation Teach was an invaluable experience. I can see how much of what I learned when it comes to conflict management, facilitation, and flexibility are transferable skills. These will prove useful in a potential career in law and beyond. I am grateful to have been given the time, resources, and opportunity from the Laidlaw Scholars Program and Georgetown Center for Research and Fellowships to undertake this project. I believe it has contributed to my growth as a leader and made an impact, however small, on my students’ understanding of the law.