Meet Shalicia Thomas: Teacher of the Year | Founder, Kids’ Choice, Inc.

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

Hi Shalicia, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
We all must take risks: why not try? Taking risks breaks up the everyday routine of our lives. Risk is all about not knowing, but going for it anyway: a Leap of Faith in One’s Self and One’s Dreams. We risk either believing in ourselves and our calling, or we risk forever wondering, “What If?”

In 2017, I took a risk in creating Kids’ Choice, Inc. — a Google Nonprofit digital platform where kids design and share educational resources to save money for college. Most people wonder why I would envision a platform for kids to create educational content for other students. Adults know best, right?

But as a Gifted Educator and current Teacher of the Year at Manchester Elementary in Douglasville, I witness firsthand the necessity of risk-taking in education. Not only do I challenge my students to have the courage to test new ideas, I also believe that we as educators must take the risk of staying open to trying new things, open to growing ourselves, as educators, and giving our students freedom. With over a decade of experience in the classroom, one of my core values is creating opportunities for my students to take ownership of and pride in their learning experiences. I encourage students to work in groups, to have enriching discussions, and to spark critical thinking while learning from each other. In doing so, I notice that students are most engaged when they are able to explain their learning to one another. Let’s be honest: When I was a student myself, I learned some from my teachers, some from textbooks, but mostly from my peers. Kids know kids, and they know how to speak to one another in a language that they understand. My faith in my students’ innate brilliance and curiosity led me to take the risk of letting go.

That is why I took the risk to found Kids’ Choice. Four years later, we find ourselves in the midst of a pandemic, and we witness education moving beyond traditional brick-and-mortar buildings. There has never been a more urgent need for enriching and engaging digital learning experiences. Kids’ Choice is on the forefront to serve that need now because I dared to believe in my dream to work towards a better future for our youth.

I continue to rely on this courage to risk putting myself out there and unapologetically believe in my mission as Kids’ Choice grows. We are so excited to have been accepted into an Incubation Program, a collaborative endeavor provided by Visa and Bridge for Billions that has helped us spark connections and build a sustainable business plan to supercharge our efforts to support and uplift our youth well into the future.

It is all about being willing to take these chances. To see the possibility of opportunity. To put yourself out there, BE out there, and to involve others in our joint mission to make a difference in the world. When we have the Faith to trust in our Truth, the rest will follow.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love art: street art, real art, food that is art, and nature.

We start with a visit to the High Museum of Art, and then head down Peachtree Street and over to Steamhouse for some good eats. We’ll have Fried Calamari as an appetizer before the Low Country Boil Skillet with shrimp, potatoes, corn, and andouille sausage.

For dessert, we’ll head to Jeni’s Krog Street Market for some more local flavor. My favorite is their signature Wildberry Lavender ice cream. Locally-sourced sweetness with a calming vibe. Perfect for our stroll through the neighborhood, enjoying the aromas of all the authentic dishes representing cultures from all over the world.

We arrive at Krog’s Street Tunnel for a photo-shoot amid the backdrop of works from Atlanta’s urban artists.

And then back to Nature. To appreciating and reminiscing in the timeless Natural Art that Atlanta has to offer: We end our day at Inman Park, a sweet refuge nestled within a preserved Victorian neighborhood. It’s Springtime, and we allow ourselves to be silent and hear the birds singing their Gratitude for the Day. We notice the Live Oaks and Catkins blossoming. I recall playing with friends on magical afternoons like these, in Fort Stewart. I remember those endless twilights, too, playing with my cousins in Grandma’s Yard in Castleberry Heights, just West of Atlanta. We chased lightning bugs by the wayside until the street lights came on, signaling us that it was time to return home. Just Us and Our Imaginations, running free. I love having that piece of the Country right here in the City.

We found Fun in just Existing, just Being. Sharing ideas and exploring together. Kids’ Choice is new in many ways, but we are rooted in these timeless ideals of sharing our dreams and embracing our authenticity and natural curiosity. 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?
I would like to thank my family and friends for vetting the website for me a million times! Listening to my podcasts, participating in webinars, and showing up for the workshops. Cheering me on and yet being honest with their feedback. We need these honest and loyal people who not only react, but ACT. Thank you for showing up for me, for not just talking the talk, but walking the walk! I would like to dedicate this article submission to all the skilled volunteers at Kids’ Choice who donate their time and effort to make a difference in this world. We need you, we appreciate you, and we love the work that you do! I also want to thank Google for giving us the Google Nonprofit Award, allowing us to communicate and collaborate more effectively and efficiently through their platforms. And finally, thanks to our partners at She’s Next empowered by Visa!

Website: http://kidschoiceinc.org/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/kidschoiceinc

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/company/kids-choice-inc

Twitter: http://twitter.com/KidsChoiceInc

Facebook: http://facebook.com/KidsChoiceInc

Image Credits
JSF Photography