Today we’d like to introduce you to Terri Alford.
Terri, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My experience as an educator began as I served in my church as a Sunday School teacher and VBS mission team teacher. Although I began my career in banking after college, nothing gave me fulfillment like seeing children grow emotionally, socially, spiritually, and academically. I soon discovered as an on-the-job training coach for Regions Financial Corporation that the only thing to come close to that fulfillment was seeing adults grow in confidence, in knowledge, in self-worth, and in their chosen profession. With those epiphanies, I left banking to explore my calling as an educator.
I had a strong desire to become an educator because I wanted to motivate students to exceed goals, face their fears, defeat their doubts, and ultimately be the best that they can be. I truly love teaching and discovered this love through community service and mentoring children in Memphis who have incarcerated parents.
I had reached a point in my life where I no longer want just a job. I sought to make a difference in people and for people in the right way. Teach for America will give me the platform and vehicle I needed to devote my natural gifts and talents by continuing to give back to the underserved in a greater way. My Lasallian alma mater encouraged us to provide “transformative experiences” and the organization I partnered with promoted organizational change in regards to educational inequity. A few years later, I graduated from Southern Methodist University with a Masters concentrated in STEM education because I decided to choose mission over money, purpose overpay, service over salary, and responsibilities over recognition. These virtues are invaluable, and so are our future leaders- the children.
According to the Texas Education Agency’s Academic Performance Report in 2015, just 35 percent of students statewide are college ready. The college readiness numbers are even lower for the largest north Texas districts: In Arlington, 32 percent are ready for college. That number is only 18 percent in Fort Worth and even lower for children of color in Tarrant County. Thus, not only does RWG STEM offer a unique educational experience, but we also keep college readiness and entrepreneurial mindsets as anchoring principles that foster the critical thinking skills, problem-solving, and real-world application that takes place.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No! This is definitely a road less traveled so we have experienced some growing pains. Although we are a private institution, we do not want to turn away a family that is the perfect fit for the academy but cannot afford the costs. Finding the sweet spot between not being a financial burden to low-income children and offering the right amount of tuition assistance while funding building projects have been a challenge. The good news is that we are now on an upward incline in getting momentum with our corporate partners. The more exposure we have, the more partnerships we are building.
Another struggle I have had to overcome is connecting with my peers in this incredible profession. As a small young school, I wear many hats that other school leaders typically delegate. Also, many of the principals and deans of private schools that I have met started differently with a different demographic and goal. Nevertheless, God has been putting people in my path that I connect with on multiple levels and collaborate with so I can continue to grow professionally and personally.
Dr. R. W. Goines STEM Academy – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
What Makes Us Unique:
At the Dr. R.W. Goines S.T.E.M. Academy we implement rigorous STEM integrated curriculum. In order to achieve this goal, instructors work together to design projects that address the needs of the surrounding community, thus making learning relevant to our scholars. Our approach to education is founded on several research-based practices. We ensure needs are met by maintaining a 12:1 ratio for middle schoolers starting in the 5th grade. We deem this to be extremely important after researching the statistics that show many students (especially minority boys) fall behind in the areas of reading and math during their fifth-grade school year.
To increase student engagement, motivation, and academic achievement we offer gender-specific courses. Gender has been a proven paramount factor in brain development. Boys that have a higher physical activity level are more successful with increased structure. Girls, on the other hand, benefit most when they can make connections between what is being taught and their lives. Hence, we differentiate lessons and give real-life learning experiences daily!
During our summer STEM camp and throughout the academic year, scholars practice the following as aligned to Next Generation Science Standards:
● asking questions and defining problems
● developing and using models
● planning and carrying out investigations
● analyzing and interpreting data
● using mathematics and computational thinking
● constructing explanations and designing solutions
● engaging in argument from evidence
● obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
I am most proud of the growth in the quality of education that RWG STEM scholars are receiving.
What would you change about your journey?
Nothing. I believe everything I have done was aligned to a lesson or blessing God wanted me to learn from and receive. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28.
Pricing:
- We make sure tuition is affordable for you! Tuition assistance is available to those who qualify.
- Annual Tuition = $4,500 ($450 monthly)
- Early Enrollment Fee = $125 (until May 31, 2019)
- Enrollment Fee = $250
- Book and Curriculum = $200
- Technology Fee= $100
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rwgstem.com
- Email: Talford@rwgstem.com
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas 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.
