Miss Kiran Masud

Although we are all multifaceted, one aspect of my life that I am particularly passionate about is serving as an educator. This has allowed me the space to explore many sides of who I am, who I am not, and who I strive to become.  Although I do not believe degrees determine destiny, I was privileged with the opportunity to earn my Master's degree in Education from Rutgers University. I am now honored to be the leader of the "Masudians"- what I affectionately call my students. Through this experience, I have gained skills in service learning, creative problem-solving, leadership, and patience. :) Most importantly, I have learned what it means to choose to show up and commit to caring for others over and over again.

As for my educational philosophy, instead of rattling off buzzwords that impart my knowledge of pedagogy, I will simply share that I believe that travel is the best way to both receive and apply an education. My philosophy also includes curiosity,  challenging the status quo, becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable, continually finetuning my skill set, and acquiring more worldly narratives while creating safe spaces for them. For better or worse, I refuse to believe that pure intentions, honest communication with an audience prepared to listen, and a solid work ethic, cannot help heal much of what has been broken. 

Through my work as an educator, I have been fortunate enough to work with colleagues that mentored me and included me in opportunities that expanded my horizons. For example, inviting me to partake in projects that were featured in local television programs like "Classroom Close-Up", which featured innovative projects in New Jersey public schools. It was a 16-time Emmy® award-winning show and was devoted to featuring the positive things happening in public schools. Seeing all the incredible accomplishments of those around me was both inspiring and intimidating. It is easy to feel discouraged when you see the strides others have already taken when you are just learning to walk. However, having a growth mindset is a key part of my philosophy too. 

Speaking of growing...Roots & Shoots is an organization all about growth. Literally and metaphorically. Currently, I serve as one of the advisors for my school's Roots & Shoots program. It is the only school in the country that has adopted and committed to the Roots & Shoots mission school-wide. Dr. Jane Goodall has visited our school...TWICE! Our focus is threefold: Caring about humans, the environment, and animals. This role has awarded me the chance to work with and support students in Kenya and Tanzania to further their own education in order to strengthen and develop their local communities. Teach people to fish, yes, but also teach them how to fundraise. 

My vision for education is to shift the system so that it is more inclusive and representative of those who are both teaching and learning in the classrooms. To change our limited idea of what a "classroom" or "education" even means. 

Society has changed. 

Students have changed. 

Teachers have changed. 

Parents have changed. 

The system remains. 

Why? 

I choose to stay until the answer is different. For most educators, including myself, teaching is a very different beast post-pandemic. A lot of regression has taken place, but I do see positive shifts as well. After 15 years of being in this profession, I can see the subtle shifts starting to take place. Through my students, I have observed the acceptance and integration of cultures, religions, and the beneficial impact of the expansion and deepening of the curriculum. 

My current adventure is becoming a Fulbright Scholar for Global Classrooms. As Fulbright shares with us, it allows the opportunity for engagement in cutting-edge research and expansion of professional networks often resulting in continuing research collaborations that start abroad and lay the groundwork for forging future partnerships between institutions. The Fulbright Program is the U.S. Government's flagship international educational exchange program and is supported by the United States and partner countries around the world. Sharing knowledge and fostering meaningful connections across communities in the United States and abroad is especially important to me. 

Why do I care about this? Well, there are probably some deeper psychological theories behind this, like having a hero complex, wanting to heal my childhood wounds, or maybe even pure ego, but for now, I will chalk it up to wanting to have a small part in creating a global culture we are all comfortable participating in. At the core, all of us want to be seen, heard, or validated within safe spaces. I would like to do my part to ensure more of us experience those things.

I don't know when or how it is happening exactly, but I can feel change happening amidst the chaos, and I don't know about you, but I want to stick around to see what happens next.

Stay tuned.