Position: Eighth Grade History Teacher
School: KIPP Strive Academy
School District: KIPP Public Charter Schools
City, State: Atlanta , GA
Music that Describes Earl
Ernest Washington received four nominations from students and other members of his community. The following profile contains text from each of these nominations.
Mr. Washington is a LifeChanger! As an educator, he provides individual and group assistance with curriculum, instruction, classroom management, professional development and mentoring. He’s extremely dedicated to his work. At times, he’ll go home and talk about how he sees some of his students progressing. He helps students understand what’s being taught and develop their own creativity. His goal is to discover the treasure hidden inside each student.
Mr. Washington is very passionate about teaching. At the end of the day, he leaves the middle school building and goes to the lower elementary building to help with the younger children. He does a multitude of things, such as working with special education students. He has his own teaching style which helps students with development and motivation.
“I have had the pleasure of learning about different teaching techniques from him,” said Chantel Boisseau, Mr. Washington’s spouse. “As a preschool teacher I can get a better understanding and insight. Earl gave me some good advice to bring into my classroom."
Mr. Washington is the type of teacher who goes beyond simply being a teacher. He has real relationships with his students and loves them like they were his own children, whether or not they’re in his class.
“I met Mr. Washington when I was in sixth grade, and my older sister was taking his class,” said an anonymous student. “I often go to Mr. Washington to get help with overcoming personal challenges. He never stops listening. That's his specialty. Nobody can ever tell him to stop listening because he will keep listening. If the children need a shoulder to lean on, he's the one.
Mr. Washington always stands up for what he believes in and what he thinks should be amended. If he sees a problem, he will address it with confidence. One of the greatest things about Mr. Washington is his warm hugs. His hugs tell students to be the best they can be. He tells students not to let anything or anyone get in their way, not to let someone else's actions and words bring them down, and not to let others dictate how they should feel.
When students feel a certain way about their community, Mr. Washington quotes Mahatma Gandhi and says, "Be the change you wish to see in the world!" This changes the student's point of view of their world. The students think about their problems in a context outside of themselves and brainstorm solutions to the problems.
“Mr. Washington always knows when I'm mad, and he tries to help me calm down,” said an anonymous student. “He treats me as if I'm his niece. He always shows me what’s right from wrong.”
Outside of the classroom, Mr. Washington also coaches track, volleyball and basketball. He has been doing this for many years, and he really enjoys helping kids develop their athletic abilities. He is also a military leader and an entrepreneur.
“To know he's a teacher here at KIPP Strive Academy is a true blessing,” said Yvette Manuel, the parent of a student. “We need to have more teachers like him who will go the extra mile for students. He is the next Joe Clark!”