Meet Jeffrey Foster | Agent of Change | Educator | School Leader

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jeffrey Foster and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jeffrey, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?

“The function of education is to teach one to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

This quote has so much meaning to me! During my graduate studies, I had the opportunity to examine the true function of education versus schooling. A wise professor, Dr. Greg Wiggan proposed the question of what is the difference between education and schooling. I then thought critically and found that schooling is attending lessons, doing activities, and hopefully learning. The purpose of schooling in the United States was to prepare students for their “place” in society. Education has a deeper meaning! Education involves the process of exploring, growing, connecting and thinking critically. It is especially important for marginalized students to participate in critical literacy. Students should have the opportunity to connect to what they are learning, develop the muscle of questioning everything through a critical lens, and advocate for what they feel is just in a sociopolitical context. This requires an authentic and emotional intelligence.

When I am teaching and leading, I keep this at the forefront, as this is a major part of my educational philosophy. I am passionate about educating and advocating for marginalized groups. This quote means to me that I as an educator and leader must inspire and execute the true meaning of education every day.

I love this quote because it is a short quote that has so much meaning behind it!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I come from a family of educators, my Grandmother was very special to me and she was the best teacher. I had never met a student of hers that didn’t love her dearly. While in High School, my Grandmother told me that I would be a great teacher. Being that I came from a family of educators, I just knew that I would be everything but that. I had gotten a part time job working as a Swim Instructor, and did an amazing job. The students learned a lot and the families loved me. I had families requesting to have me as their Swim Instructor each session. While in undergrad I was very indecisive about what college major to choose. I jumped from Nursing to Computer Science, to Criminal Justice. I thought I had no clue of what I wanted to do. I came upon my senior year of College, and it all clicked for me. I started thinking about how I could contribute to society. I then decided that I could teach in Title I schools. The summer after I graduated from college, I entered into a graduate program where I received my teaching license and masters degree. I started working in the same school district my Grandmother, Great Great Grandmother, and other family members worked in. I started out as an Elementary School Teacher. I remember pouring my heart into my job. Being a Teacher has a huge learning curve! I would get to work one or two hours early each day and leave one or two hours late. The job was tough but very much worth it.

While working as a Teacher in an Urban Title I school, I had the urge to want to support more students and teachers. I was offered a position as an Instructional Technology facilitator and Diversity coordinator at a charter school. It was very hard for me to leave my school community but I knew it was time for another opportunity. While taking on the role at the charter school, I was introduced to the concept of wearing many hats! I ended up being a Middle School Computer Teacher, High School Leadership Teacher, Academic facilitator, Mentor along with my duties as an Instructional Technology Facilitator and Diversity coordinator. While working in this position I still felt lead to contribute more to education, so I decided work on my principal license and do a PhD program centered around Urban Education.

I got an opportunity to be an Administrator at a different charter school at the heart of Charlotte. I had no clue that this innovative charter school would have eventually been the Charter school I lead as the Interim Executive Director/Head of School. Every day I get to advocate for children and make sure that they have a good education. Being an administrator requires a lot of hours, patience, and thick skin, but it is very rewarding. I love having the chance to pour into the administrators, teachers, and students I serve.

Everything connected for me while on my path to being an agent of change and Educator. This path seems to be super linear but it wasn’t as clear and straight as it appears. At each stop of the journey, I had uncertainty, growing pains, oppositions, and insecurities, however I stayed true to my mission, purpose, and beliefs.

When there is a purpose for your life, all you gotta do is stay strong, stay true to you, and keep pressing forward. Earlier on in my pathway, I tried to control my journey. It caused a lot of unnecessary anxiety, however I did get further in tune with who I am while exploring where my path may take me.
Invest in yourself, be confident, be open, and allow your steps to be ordered.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I really enjoy hanging out in the Artsy parts of Charlotte. You would find me hanging out and grabbing some good food, music, and entertainment in NoDa or Plaza/Midwood. I love good music and art. I love going to a restaurant and stumbling upon a cool concert or performance. There is so much to do in these areas, especially in the Spring and Summer!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This shoutout goes to all the students, families, and teachers I serve at INVEST COLLEGIATE: Transform. I get inspired to get up to go to work everyday because of these people. I feel so blessed to lead such a talented, hardworking, and brilliant group of people.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-foster-46448832/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/fosterclass

Image Credits
FeelGoodNoir