Kudos to Catherine Murphy, Maestra

Last night I had the honor to sit on a panel after a screening of Catherine Murphy's documentary, Maestra, about the Cuban volunteers who led a literacy movement under Fidel Castro. The film captured the passion of many female educators who set out in rural Cuba to teach beginning literacy skills to adults who previously did not have an ability to read and write. Some of these "teachers" were 8 years old.

Her film interviewed many who were involved in that time of history and she transitioned the conversation to local literacy initiatives and what the local Connecticut see looks like in our community. Dr. Betsy Bowen and Dr. Terry Jones addressed their work at the Mercy Center where they help lead tutoring initiatives with adult women. Dr. Bowen also discussed service courses she teaches where her students read with young children in local schools. I spoke on behalf of male teachers and the need for more male educators in schools so that students see individuals like them in front of a class. I emphasized the need for a strong teaching force made up of diverse educators, especially Black males and Hispanic males in our schools.

I was moved by the emotional connection the audience, standing room only, made to the documentary. What became clear through the clips was the passion and heart required in teaching - an area unmeasured by observational tools and underquantified. Learning arrives from relationships and the best teachers offer curriculum with care.

Having opportunities to discuss literacy with undergraduates is a highlight of my job and I was honored to be asked to speak on the panel. More conversations like the one that was held last night need to be available to others across the nation and globe.