Jonathan Kleiman – Health and Nutrition Instructor
I know I’ll be in trouble when she finally reads this. Irene has told me before that she is not good at receiving compliments, especially in public. But I can’t resist and I won’t.
I’ve always known that Irene is a strong teacher. But last week I got to sit in on her class and see her in action. I was blown away.
Irene was beginning a unit on public speaking in her Leadership & Ethics course. Each student prepared a one minute speech about her vision for the future and delivered it in front of a camera. The following class, Irene showed the students the footage of their speeches, and as a class, they critiqued them. Most of the critiques were bitterly honest but encouraging. Students pointed out nervous tics, Irene commented on the confidence students exuded. But, as maybe expected, student were harshest in critiquing themselves. Several cried.
I know, as a teacher, I should be worried by crying. But this was great crying. Crying that, to me at least, showed that the students got it. That the exercise worked.
Our students are so fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Irene. I’m happy I have the opportunity as well.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by ElizabethDearbornDav, Akilah Institute. Akilah Institute said: The Akilah students present their visions. NEW VIDEO http://tinyurl.com/33ucmx2 [...]
As a teacher for over 29 years who hopes to change the world one student at a time, I have to say it is so wonderful to see how caring and hopeful each student is, you can feel their passion and that is so necessary for change to occur. I plan to show this to all my students in August and the teachers at my school as well in order to help them realize that we all have hopes and dreams and we all can make a difference. Congratulations on this assignment which will help instill confidence in all your students. I have written an email to Nicholas Kristof about the Institute I hope he will contact you soon. Elizabeth Dearborn Davis came to Tampa Catholic to share your good works with my students on May 13. She was very well received, we hope do more next fall.
I am the librarian at the same school as Sara Mehltretter. She sent me the YouTube link, and I am very impressed with what I saw with the students, their speeches, etc. I praise Elizabeth Dearborn Davis for her deep commitment to this project, and I say thanks to her, and to her students.
I have tears in my eyes – wonderful exercise, wonderful students and a brilliant teacher! To have these students articulate their hopes and dreams before an audience and a camera, no less, is a practical life lesson and a personal and spiritual gift to the participants and those who are lucky enough to see this video
I’m touched by the ambition of these women. AKILAH teachers, staff, and founders should be so proud of the work they have done so far. I hope that someday I can be involved in this organization. The courage, love, and sense of community is palpable in this video. Thank you for sharing.