Becoming a peer coach has made me more aware of the struggles that many teachers are facing today. Through remote learning, educators have to teach through a screen full of muted letters and profile pictures. Many of them begin to lose their connection with their students and only have themselves to rely on. However, PowerPlay’s Virtual Peer Coach Program definitely proved otherwise.
Throughout the winter, I have worked with two incredible coaches that were not only helpful but also made this whole virtual experience a lot better. Coach OJ and Ms. Davis have made me and the girls laugh a tremendous amount of times. In every workshop, we would exercise, have girl chat, and then play some games. The girls would always participate and bring smiles to our faces. When each peer coach had to present a lesson plan to their site, I was quite nervous. However, I had many people help me to prepare and ease my nerves during the process. With the weekly sessions run by PowerPlay NYC, my coaches, and my fellow peer coaches, I knew I was ready.
This whole experience has provided nothing but a positive effect on my life. I now have more appreciation for the educators that have to do their jobs remotely. Moreover, I learned the importance of doing things that are out of your comfort zone. Whether it’s teaching in front of a group of middle schoolers or speaking up about an important issue, one is becoming a better version of themselves. All we have to do is be 1% better.
–Deidre Q.
