Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Dean.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I always wanted to be an attorney! As a little girl, I was raised in an underprivileged neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago. Growing up in a neighborhood where crime, drugs, and poverty was the norm, I always had the desire to help or change the community in some capacity.
However, you can always count on a God to laugh at your plans. I took one Political Science class during undergrad and then somehow ended up in an education program at The University of Houston.
I can never clearly explain how I ended up in the classroom. To keep the explanation simple, it’s safe to say I was called to do this. In fact, I never considered myself to be the type to “like” children. After three years in the classroom and winning Teacher of the Year, here I am simply killing it!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Smooth? I don’t think smooth and public education co-exist in any conversation! My first year was definitely the most challenging experiences I’ve endured. I would get to work at 6:30am and wouldn’t leave to about 8pm most days. I remember the custodians shifting the lights off on me many nights.
It was hard for me to balance my work and social life. I always felt like everyday had to be a performance in my classroom. I gained 30lbs my first year of teaching! In addition to that, my skin flared up from hormonal acne due to my lack of an unhealthy lifestyle.
I quickly learned lesson plans mean nothing to children, no matter how much you plan they own the class and they’re much more forgiving than adults!
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
In all honesty, I don’t like referring to myself as a “teacher”. Do I teach a curriculum? Absolutely! However, my daily duties entail so much more than that! I actually spend the least amount of my day actually teaching.
I think representation matters. I spend a lot of time getting to know my students and being authentic with them. I want them to know I’m an around the way person, who struggled just like many of them, yet I made it! I buy the latest shoes, I keep up with the media because that’s what they’re into and I want to be able to reach them as a whole person first! After that, it’s easier to teach. My classroom is literally like a living room! You’ll see my students laying on the floor, hugging me or each other and just relaxed. However, don’t get it confused! We’re learning and the data shows it!
During the school day, I rarely push worksheets! In fact, my students know if I’m making copies, then we’re testing. I’m best known for my room transformations! This year, my students have been doctors, attorneys, private investigators, participants of Fear Factor and much more in my classroom. I literally decorate and transform my room to mirror these real-life experiences. My students and I dress up and they explore learning using hands-on, real-life experiences!
I’ve founded and facilitated the Guys with Ties after-school mentoring program. It’s basically an opportunity for my male students to interact with positive role models. I coordinate monthly meetings to support topics such as anti-bullying, coping with conflict and leadership skills.
For next year, I’ve already started planning a STEM program for girls. Women and people of color are underrepresented in the tech world. I want to start my girls seeing themselves in this field now!
Each after-school program I facilitate is fully funded out of my pocket and my time isn’t compensated. However, I stand on the quote “I’m here to do what’s best for children” even if the opportunity isn’t there, I’ll create it for my students!
I spend most weekends showing up to my students birthday parties, sporting events, and extracurricular activities. This past spring break, I took one of my students go-karting. Let’s just say I’m her hero now!
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My grandmother was the most impactful person. I work 18 hour days during the week between teaching and my second job. Each day I leave work empty, and I know it’s due to the selfless acts my grandmother demonstrated to me as she raised me.
Secondly, my students. I really am better because of them. I’ve experienced a lot of trauma and they don’t know it, but they’ve helped me overcome so much in my personal life. They taught me to forgive, love and accept differences.
Lastly, I’ve had some great teachers along the way. In particular two of my high school English teachers. We go on vacations together, they help me write resumes and just basically became my best friends along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: Msjela5.weebly.com
- Email: blamere15@gmail.com
- Instagram: B.lamere
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
