Experience in South Africa reshapes teacher's approach in New Jersey classroom

For Terrell Gilkey, education represents more than just a career; it's a means to make a difference. Before completing his studies at the Rutgers Graduate School of Education (GSE) in 2019, Gilkey participated in a transformative journey to South Africa via the GSE’s South Africa Initiative program.

“While I was in South Africa, the people I met were passionate about using education as a vehicle to create change. It was admirable to see,” Gilkey stated. Inspired by this experience, he deepened his commitment to teaching upon his return.

“The children in South Africa were so upbeat about going to school. It was really important to them. There, school is a community where everybody in the neighborhood has a say. It was beautiful,” he reflected.

Gilkey's experience abroad helped him uncover a deeper significance in teaching. “In South Africa, many people told me teaching is their purpose, and they felt it’s what they were meant to be doing with their lives,” he explained. “For me, the most rewarding part of the teaching experience is showing up for my students daily and letting them know that I’m here for them.”

During his Ed.M. studies at the GSE, Gilkey took a course examining how school districts in different socio-economic sectors of New Jersey prepare students for varied futures. “Schools in low-income neighborhoods often focus on preparing their children for work and trade jobs,” he noted. “Very few students in those schools are pushed to go to college since it’s not the expectation for everybody. For schools in wealthier areas, we noticed that the curriculums focused more on critical thinking and engagement rather than memorization, preparing them to graduate and pursue different careers. There’s a huge difference between a job and a career.”

Motivated to be more thoughtful in his student care, Gilkey adjusted his teaching methods to make the classroom “a safe place for students.” He aims to fulfill all his students' fundamental needs and create an inviting learning atmosphere. He designed a self-care space with items like a lint roller, hand sanitizer, spray deodorant, and snacks, essential for students’ daily needs.

A crucial lesson for Gilkey is the importance of setting a positive example for his students. “I want my students to see that I am compassionate and understanding, but also willing to hold them accountable,” he remarked. “I want to be the teacher I needed and to help them reach their full potential.”

Gilkey credits the GSE’s Ed.M. in Education, Culture, and Society for equipping him with the tools needed to succeed as a teacher in New Jersey. “The GSE mirrors the real-world teaching experience,” he shared. “It prepares you for the classroom and provides a full picture of the way education shapes the world and how our culture shapes education. The GSE puts great people in your life.”