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This Women’s History Month KIPP Texas Public Schools proudly celebrates the achievements of our Little and Big KIPPsters who continue to inspire, teach, and lead us to make HERstory.
At KIPP Voyage Academy, the only all-girls KIPP Texas school, our Little KIPPsters are part of the next generation of women leaders. They are led by a woman, School Leader and KIPP alumnus Fabeah Adu-Oppong Newton, and taught by other amazing women who work to help them become future changemakers
We chatted with Ambur Duron, 7th grade reading teacher, and Robynn Slater, 5th grade science teacher, at KIPP Voyage Academy to learn more about their experiences as educators and how they teach their students about Women’s History Month.
How long have you been an educator and how long with KIPP Texas specifically?
Ms. Duron: I have been at KIPP Texas since before I was an “official” educator! During the Fall of 2018, I was heading into my last semester of student teaching at Texas A&M and was placed at KIPP Voyage Academy for Girls. Five years (and one global pandemic) later, I’m still here! Over the years, I’ve taught social studies, writing, reading, 5th grade, 7th grade, and served as a Grade Level Chair since my first year as lead instructor.
Ms. Slater: I have been an educator for eight years, teaching 5th grade Science and four of those years have been at the fabulous KIPP Voyage Academy for Girls.
You teach at an all-girls campus. What impact do you hope to have on the young women you teach?
Ms. Duron: I hope to help young women of color realize they will always be and have always been 100% worthy of all the spaces they choose to be in. My girls know that, at the end of the day, I don’t care if they have the most A’s or awards in my class, I care that they leave our classroom feeling loved, cared for, heard, and that they empower each other.
Ms. Slater: The impact I want to have on my girls is that they can do and be anything that they want to be. I also want them to know that it’s perfectly fine to be who you are and don’t let anyone tell them any different; they are supposed to be unique and one of a kind. I want them to know they don’t have to be afraid to experience the ups and down in life because it’s going to come together in the end. I want them to be so confident that they can walk into any room and shine!
This Women’s History Month, KIPP Texas wants to share the stories of our educators. What made you want to become a teacher?
Ms. Duron: My mother likes to say I’ve been teaching since I was in 1st grade. I learned the word “salutations” from reading Charlotte’s Web and taught anyone who would listen how to say it, what it meant, and how to spell it correctly. My love of reading and history led me to getting my Bachelor of Science in History and English Language Arts. I currently teach 7th grade Reading and am amazed at the unique experiences and viewpoints each of my students bring to class each day. There is never a dull moment!
Ms. Slater: I have always wanted to become an educator and didn’t want to do anything else. I wanted to be the teacher that I needed when I was younger. So originally, I graduated with a degree in Curriculum and Instruction 4-8 Social studies from Prairie View A&M University. My first job as a teacher was teaching Science and Social Studies but that quickly changed to just Science. I have been happy since the change because I love teaching Science.
What is one thing you want to teach your students about Women’s History Month?
Ms. Duron: One thing I want my students to learn about Women’s History Month is how they are a part of it. It’s THEIR month! In class, we do an assignment where we research famous women from A to Z. We include summaries of their achievements and analyze the impact of each woman’s accomplishments on their community. Each year my students are encouraged to include a few of their classmates, or even themselves, in the project to show that they impact the world around them! I want them to understand that they are just as worthy and amazing as the “famous” women they research or read about.
Ms. Slater: One thing I want to teach my girls about Women’s History Month is that women have been fighting for equal rights for a long time and we will continue to do so until things are equal and fair for all women.
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
Ms. Duron: Women’s History Month, to me, is not just one month out of the year. Women’s voices deserve to be heard and valued for the other 11 months of the year too! All of the powerful women making tremendous strides in their fields deserve to be uplifted and recognized. I hope young women all around KIPP Texas and beyond are supported and listened to when they choose to shatter the glass ceilings on their path to success.
Ms. Slater: What Women’s History Month means to me is power, strength, and resilience. Many women have made an impact on my life but my mom is THE one that impacted me the most. She always did the best she could for my sister and me.
KIPP Texas is currently hiring for a diverse team of dynamic, collaborative, and dedicated individuals with an unyielding belief that every child will succeed. If you want to be a part of shaping the next generation of leaders, we encourage you to apply now!
