As a new educator, Zane learned to be reflective and challenge the norms of a traditional top-down classroom, now allowing him to center student voice and liberatory education practices for his students.
At John Rogers Elementary, you’ll find 3rd grade teacher Zane Hashimi in the compassionate, student-driven and inclusive classroom he crafted.
As a career-changer, Zane joined the education profession driven by a desire to be part of something bigger than himself and creating meaningful change. “The world is changing, and I want to be part of that change now,” Zane recalls.
Not having a degree in education prior, Zane knew he needed to go back to school to get the credentials and certifications to be in the classroom. Enter: the Seattle Teacher Residency (STR).
STR helped Zane develop his voice and perspective to be an effective teacher.
“The program made me question some of the values we take for granted in schools, and find out where my own values and schema align with my teaching, and what will resonate with my students and help cultivate an environment of learning and love,” Zane reflects. This critical reflection has become a cornerstone of his teaching approach, now in his third year in the classroom.
The STR program’s residency model, combined with mentorship from experienced educators, allowed Zane to experiment with creative teaching methods and prioritize student voice in his lessons while he was still in the STR program. “How can I incorporate student voice? How can I incorporate their hobbies or interests? How can I bring parts of myself from a place of love into the classroom?” he pondered during our interview.
Being vulnerable and reflective has helped him create a classroom where every student feels valued and understood, essential for learning in our ‘post-covid’ world.
Beyond pedagogy, the program empowered Zane with the tools to further equity and justice in his classroom. “STR has helped me to just have a mindset where I’m always reflecting on my own practices,” Zane explains, “And having those honest and vulnerable discussions with myself helps me create a more equitable space in the classroom.”
Learn more about the Seattle Teacher Residency and make a gift to support future educators like Zane.