![]() This week’s Faculty in Focus is Dr. Shayla Roberts, Assistant Professor and TESOL Coordinator, from Bethune-Cookman University in Florida. As a Civic Engagement fellow on the Deliberative Dialogue track, Dr. Shayla Roberts creatively integrated Periclean resources into her fall 2024 course, “Principles & Issues in ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages).” While this course traditionally focuses on preparing students to teach English as a second language, Roberts enriched the curriculum by facilitating a deliberative dialogue on educational challenges facing future generations, and inspiring college students to see the connections between these educational policies and voting. By embedding civic education into their professional journey, these aspiring educators are better equipped to foster a culture of democratic participation among their future students as they adapt to the language, culture, and civil society of the United States. The class discussion connected civic engagement with students’ professional roles as future educators. Dr. Roberts then prompted them to complete a reflective assignment on their personal and professional motivations for voting. Their responses—ranging from influencing leadership to amplifying their voices and values—demonstrated a deepened awareness of their civic responsibilities. Student Sarah Rucker shared, “As a future educator, I am voting for things like educational policies that will affect my career and my students as well… I have the right, the choice, the opportunity, and the power to vote for things that will affect me.” ![]() A class survey revealed after the course that students unanimously agreed on the importance of informing voters about the process and value of voting. Students deepened their understanding of voting rights, history, and current issues, fostering a stronger awareness of their role as informed, engaged members of society. Reflecting on her experience as a Civic and Voter Engagement fellow, Dr. Roberts shared, “The impact of this fellowship has been very rewarding. Learning alongside my students and simultaneously using the resources provided has been extremely enriching. Students enjoyed the materials, discussions, engagement and interaction with their peers. They are more informed as they also understand their roles as educators and voting rights on a deeper level." By becoming more civically engaged themselves, these future educators are better equipped to empower their students to understand the importance of participating in democracy. Inspired by Shayla Roberts to bring Civic Education into your classroom? Learn more about our Civic Engagement Mini-Grants here, including a new track, Beyond Media Literacy: Enhancing Information Ecosystems to Bridge Divides! Comments are closed.
|
Archives
January 2025
Categories
All
|
[email protected]