21 NAQUAN JAMES ’16 UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE AND SCHOOL: Bachelor of Arts in Education - AYA Integrated Social Studies Education & History, The University of Akron, 2020 MASTERS DEGREE: Master of Science in Education - Educational Policy Studies & Evaluation, The University of Kentucky, May 2024 (anticipated). WHAT DO YOU TEACH AND WHERE? Freshman Academy Global Studies, Rockford Public Schools District 205, Rockford, IL. WHAT OR WHO INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE A CAREER IN EDUCATION? Education was really the first career I saw growing up, as early as first grade. As I went throughout my years at AQ, and then college, I wanted to teach to inspire and make a difference in the lives of young people, especially those in environments where black male role models are not present in education. HOW DID AQUINAS HELP PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR CAREER? I would talk to certain teachers to ask them advice about the field and how it would be, which helped. WHAT DO YOU FIND MOST REWARDING ABOUT BEING AN EDUCATOR? The connections I have made and still continue to make with past/ current scholars are the most rewarding. Some of my current scholars say that my class is one of their favorites, or that I’m their favorite teacher. Some of my former scholars come to my room to see me or say hello whenever they see me. Others in other schools in my district may reach out to me to tell me how they’re doing or ask for help with something. That they still think about me two to three years later tells me that I truly made a difference in their lives. ANDREW KAUSCH ’14 UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE AND SCHOOL: Bachelor’s Degree in History, SUNY Brockport, 2018 MASTERS DEGREE: SUNY Brockport, starting in spring 2024 WHAT DO YOU TEACH AND WHERE? I teach 7th grade U.S. History/ Social Studies at Dr. Alice Holloway Young (School #3) in the Rochester City School District. WHAT OR WHO INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE A CAREER IN EDUCATION? Some of the amazing educators and coaches that I had the pleasure to learn from during my time at Aquinas. Special shout out to Coach D’Ettore ’73, Coach Battaglia ’78, Mr. Wise ’00, and Mr. Phillips among many others. HOW DID AQUINAS HELP PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR CAREER? Aquinas helped prepare me for my career in teaching by teaching me the patience, perseverance, and leadership skills that are required to be an effective educator. Aquinas also taught me to always seek knowledge and continue growing, both spiritually and professionally. WHAT DO YOU FIND MOST REWARDING ABOUT BEING AN EDUCATOR? For me, the most rewarding part of being an educator is when you see everything begin to click with a student, that “aha” moment is amazing to see. Many young people have the ability to do well in school and just need that extra bit of encouragement and support.
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