Early Days at TYWLS East Harlem: A Teacher’s Perspective
Suzanne Pittock began her teaching career at The Young Women’s Leadership School (TYWLS) of East Harlem when it first opened its doors in 1996. As we continue to celebrate our 25th anniversary of TYWLS East Harlem and the continued impact born out of our flagship school, we’re excited to share this account from a teacher who was there when history was being made. Thank you for sharing your special memories, Suzanne!
In that first year, students were a little shy initially but many opened up soon after we started. They were excited, and knew that they were part of something very special. There were a lot of eyes on the students when we opened, and while that was exciting (and potentially distracting), they did a good job of focusing on why they were there—to focus on their education and their futures. They also wanted to feel comfortable being themselves and wanted to be accepted for who they were, and valued as young women.
I remember how powerful it was for me, as a new teacher, to see the students in discussion groups in their humanities class; they were really engaged, their voices being shared and heard. It definitely reinforced the power of a safe space where your voice is encouraged. As my first teaching job, what a privilege and a gift it was for me to be able to see this style of teaching modeled by experienced teachers, and embraced by students who were engaging in that learning environment. I was very fortunate to learn from the students and their different types of voices and contributions—some of whom were louder, some quieter. They all demonstrated so many different strengths and styles of leadership.
I think that the power of students lies within. A young person who is quiet or doesn’t dominate the conversation does not mean that they aren’t thinking critically or have a powerful message. Nurturing that incredible potential over time, valuing differences, and providing footholds and mentorship for students to spring from is a key part of teaching. Their whole process of growing, changing, problem solving, finding their voice; it takes time to develop into the exceptional people they are. The students were so young when I taught them (and I was young, too!), and seeing them grow and develop their strengths and talents was truly a gift.
The TYWLS community has inspired me to always push for creating something unique in my classroom whenever possible, and infusing it with joy, humor, possibility, and adventure.
One of my favorite memories was meeting one student, Gigi, and her mom. Gigi was so shy, and her mom was encouraging her to share something with me. She carefully stepped forward and handed me this tiny little note that she had enclosed in her fist, and it said “I want to learn about the stars.” I still remember how energizing and motivating that felt, and realizing how important this environment we were creating was going to be.
Another really fond memory was from a student assignment. We were studying the chemistry of matter and Maryam chose to complete an assignment for her unit portfolio that addressed a historic figure and an inaccuracy in his work. Her voice in the writing was so clear and strong. It reflected the pride in her own learning and the grace she showed in critiquing the work of another person. As a new teacher, it was so powerful for me to see her demonstrate her confidence and growth, and use her voice.
I taught at TYWLS East Harlem for the first five years before moving to the west coast where I have lived for the last 21 years. Fortunately, social media has made it possible to stay connected with some of my former students! The TYWLS alumnae I am connected with via social media are phenomenal—wow! They have diverse and amazing careers, families, babies, joyful smiles, miles of style, and it’s really fulfilling to get glimpses of their dynamic lives. I am impressed by their sense of justice and sisterhood with other women and TYWLS graduates.
I am still in the classroom and currently teach in Portland, Oregon. This school year is my twenty-sixth year of teaching! Currently, I teach integrative middle school science, engineering and design, and human-centered design. I have been teaching in a coed setting, and have always missed the all-girls model. I think of my TYWLS years often and they are among the best of my career. Reflecting back, I am so grateful they took a chance on a new teacher, and I can’t believe how fortunate I was to be there. I miss the magic of the students’ enthusiasm, and all that I learned from them and New York City.
The TYWLS community has inspired me to always push for creating something unique in my classroom whenever possible, and infusing it with joy, humor, possibility, and adventure.
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