At this week's Round Table, Emily, Erina, and Hannah spoke with Alison Ritz, an AP Government and History teacher in the Bronx. She has taught in the New York City Department of Education for over two decades, striving to connect the present to the past while centering civic engagement for high-school students.
As a former teenage activist, she approaches AP US Government and Politics, Participation in Government, and Economics from the lens of youth empowerment. Ms Ritz also has the honor of working with seniors to support the college-application process and postsecondary transition and serves as Faculty Advisor for the Riley's Way Bronx Council.
We conversed at length about what students would LIKE to know about their teachers but are frequently afraid to ask. We also discussed the joys and challenges of being in the teaching profession, which varies depending on the state you live in. Furthermore, we discussed how Ms Ritz’ own experiences got her into teaching and how exactly teaching keeps her inspired and motivated. Thank you for listening!
