The role of a teacher is more than teaching a subject, it's inspiring potential

By Elisabeth Monaghan

Photos Courtesy of University Prep

 One can’t underestimate the value that a teacher brings to the classroom. Knowledge. Experience. Encouragement. And, sometimes, it’s believing – even when students don’t believe in themselves. Mostly, it’s understanding that education is the path to achieving whatever one might dream of and helping them get there.

Photo Credit: University Prep

That’s what is happening at University Prep School in Denver. Mamie Howard, the principal resident, has been creating a unique environment that caters to successful learning. University Prep’s structure came together with educators, parents, and the community working together.

Howard’s journey into education began after her exposure to the court system, while she was working toward a law degree. She found that many of the underserved in the legal system failed to have the knowledge they needed to navigate the system. It was then Howard realized she could have a greater impact on low-income, underserved, and diverse populations, by becoming a teacher.

*Colorado graduation rates dropped for Black and Latino students in 2021 to just under 75%, according to the Colorado Department of Education. Overall, Colorado had the third lowest graduation rate among 26 states at 81.7% and more than 8,000 positions needing to be filled.

 “The toughest part was calling my mom to say I wasn’t going to become a lawyer,” Howard said. With family support, she earned her teaching degree and taught middle school math. In 2020, Howard made the leap into administration to further her impact on students. She earned a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Western Governors University.

Today, Howard is filling dual roles as teacher and administrator. She’s found herself back in the kindergarten classroom while finalizing details for a third campus. The return to the classroom furthered Howard’s understanding as an administrator.

“Kindergarteners sure have a lot of energy; it’s a lot different than teaching middle school,” Howard said. “But it’s good to be back teaching because education is the path out of poverty, to higher-paying jobs, and to achieve whatever you might dream. Nurturing that belief starts early.”

Honoring those commitments to better others, WGU is recognizing the contributions of teachers with the WGU Loves Teachers Scholarship, valued at up to $4,000.

Everyone has potential, it just needs to be cultivated, according to Howard. She is ensuring that Colorado’s workforce will be filled with bright minds and has found that when you can help a student grasp a concept and it clicks, you have made a real difference. The impact can last a lifetime.

We all have teachers that come to mind who made a difference. They stand out for the time invested to ensure success. That’s the kind of teacher Howard has been and now she’s channeling that same intention into her administrative responsibilities to create a learning experience that breeds achievement at all levels.

University Prep will host a “Summer Send-Off” with games, food, and resources at its newly approved Pre-K through 5th grade campus in Commerce City. The celebration will be on Saturday, June 4th from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at 6015 Forest Drive, Commerce City, CO. As University Prep says, “College starts in kindergarten.”