Welcome to the Legend Makers podcast, where we celebrate the stories and expertise of trailblazing educators. In this episode, Scott Buell sits down with Ekuwah Mends Moses, an award-winning educator, author, and international keynote speaker whose passion for engineering education and literacy is transforming the lives of K-5 students. With 24 years of experience in the Clark County School District, Ekuwah brings her unique approach to STEM, blending creativity, storytelling, and hands-on learning.
Episode Highlights:
- Ekuwah’s Teaching Journey: Discover how Ekuwah, inspired by her educator parents and a deep love for books and storytelling, found her calling in teaching. Initially aiming for collegiate education, her path led her to K-5 engineering education, where she now teaches nearly 800 students on a seven-day rotation.
- The Power of Names: Ekuwah shares the meaning behind her name, rooted in Ghanaian culture, and how it reflects her identity and heritage. Her story forms the foundation of her book, My Name is an Address, which illustrates the connection between names and identity.
- Teaching Philosophy: Ekuwah emphasizes the importance of building a supportive and growth-oriented professional network. She believes in the power of reading broadly, engaging with fellow educators through social media, and being open to new ideas. Her commitment to continuous learning has been pivotal in adapting to changing educational landscapes.
- Engaging Students Through STEM: Ekuwah talks about her passion for K-5 engineering and how she creates open-ended challenges that allow students to explore, build confidence, and make connections across various subjects. She shares her favorite teaching moments, like reading student reflections that reveal their learning journey and personal growth.
- Advice for Educators: Whether you're new to teaching or considering it as a career, Ekuwah’s advice is simple: surround yourself with positive influences, read widely, and build a community of mentors and peers. She highlights the importance of maintaining an authentic teaching style, designed to fit the needs of your specific classroom and community.
- Optimism for the Future: Ekuwah expresses her excitement about the growing emphasis on STEM at the elementary level. By exposing children to engineering concepts early on, she believes educators can inspire the next generation of innovators, creating a diverse and inclusive environment where all students feel seen and valued.
Resources:
Tune in to learn how Ekuwah is spreading her wings and inspiring students to discover the engineer within themselves. Follow her journey and gain insights into building a thriving classroom community rooted in creativity, literacy, and STEM innovation.
