Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, schools were shuttered, the digital infrastructure for virtual learning was not present for many, and the existing inequities and achievement gaps were exacerbated in irrevocable ways. Prior to, and during, the pandemic, Citizen Schools has sat at the crossroads of these problems, and has a unique perspective on these issues and how they will shape public schools and our society in the years to come.
Trevon tells us how COVID has impacted public education in New York City from his first-hand experience navigating it with his students. Nadia speaks to what role Citizen Schools plays in complementing and filling in the gaps that exist in New York public schools, and how she sees that role evolving during and after COVID. Finally, Kruschef provides his perspective as a volunteer.
About the Panelists
Nadia K. Selby is a 1st-generation graduate, who learned early on that education is the needle that propels an individual forward. For 13 years she has worked with Citizen Schools, igniting the joy of education for all. As the Executive Director of Citizen Schools Catalyst Division, Nadia leads strategy, operations, fundraising, and partner engagement. As a visionary and entrepreneurial individual, she’s inspired to expand the reach of Citizen Schools and strengthen the brand of real world, hands-on learning with experts in the “new normal” in education. She is committed to delivering the highest quality of service to existing and future students and partners.
Trevon Adams is a Science Educator, Mentor & Robotics Coach at Walt Whitman Middle School in Brooklyn, New York. He is a teacher in the Citizen Schools Catalyst program, and a strong advocate for literacy, healthy living, equity in STEM, meaningful physical activities for youth, and youth development.
Kruschef Sanchez is a current graduate student at the High Meadows Graduate School of Teaching and Learning with MIT where he is completing a Master’s in Secondary STEM Education. He has been working in education for three years, participating in programs including City Year New York, Breakthrough New York, and most recently, Citizen Schools Catalyst. Pulling from his engineering education from Notre Dame, Kruschef plans to instill his future students with a similar appreciation for science, which propelled him along his career path.
Moderated by Connor Anovick.