Never having a teacher she identified with, Evanni now provides experiences and supports that advance racial equity for students like her former self.
At the end of a cul-de-sac in a quaint, north Seattle neighborhood, you’ll find Sand Point Elementary, where Evanni Roberson teaches 5th grade.
After growing up in a predominantly white school and neighborhood in Washington, Evanni remembers not fully fitting in. “I’m biracial and I grew up just knowing I felt different and not fully accepted in educational spaces all throughout my schooling career. But I couldn’t put a name to what I was feeling,” she reflects.
Eventually attending the University of Washington for undergrad, she was able to learn more about herself and put words to feelings. “I distinctly remember sitting in class learning about the word microaggression. It just clicked for me. I was like, ‘that’s it. This is what I’ve experienced my whole life.'”
Having words for her experiences inspired Evanni to go into teaching, selecting STR due to the amount of experience and pairing with a mentor teacher support that makes going into the classroom more seamless.
“I never really had a teacher that I identified with or clicked with and I wanted to go into teaching because I realized that I could help students and little Black girls like me realize what they are experiencing and find spaces that they fit in with earlier than I did. I wanted to be the teacher they relate to and connect with.”
Learn more about the Seattle Teacher Residency program and make a gift to support future educators like Evanni.