Alumni Conversation Series:Brandis Haugabrook
Originally from Framingham, Massachusetts, Brandis graduated with Phi Beta Kappa Honors from Spelman College, the top-ranked HBCU in the country and an institution dedicated to the excellence of Black women, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish with a minor in Economics. Brandis joined Teach For America after witnessing the systemic injustices that existed in Atlanta Public Schools where she frequently volunteered; she realized that there was a dire need to revise the educational system so all students have access to sufficient resources and receive fervent dedication to their learning. She received her Masters of Arts in Teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education in 2022. Brandis currently resides in South Loop, Chicago, and enjoys spending her time with her infant daughter.
Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
Job Title and Organization/School: Elementary Diverse Learning Math Teacher, Pablo Casals School of Excellence
Corps Year and Corps Region: 2020 Corps Member, Greater Chicago-Northwest Indiana
Could you begin by introducing yourself?
I am an elementary diverse learning educator at Pablo Casals Elementary School in Humboldt Park, Chicago. One of the major events in my life that drove my dedication to identity and equity work was my decision to attend Spelman College, the top-ranked HBCU in the country. Spelman’s mission is to empower Black women through academic achievement and intellectual, creative, ethical, and leadership development. A common phrase we use at Spelman is “a choice to change to world” and I strive to fulfill to that motto everyday. Since graduation in 2020, I have been living in Chicago serving as a diverse learning teacher. I never thought my post-graduate life and teaching experience would begin in the middle of a pandemic, but it opened my eyes to exploring new and more innovative ways to support and encourage myself and those around me. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy exploring the city, spending time with friends and family, practicing self-care, and training for my first half-marathon.
What motivates you to work towards educational equity?
I believe that every student is entitled to an education that provides them appropriate resources, is relevant to their lives and learning styles, and will set them up for success in any endeavor they choose to pursue. As a teacher, I see examples everyday of students who have such bright futures ahead of them. They, like every other student, deserve the opportunity to achieve great things regardless of the hand life has dealt them.
You are a fellow in the Leaders of Color for Systems Change, tell us about the fellowship (why you applied) and what you’ve learned.
The Leaders of Color for Systems Change fellowship is designed to educate and provide experiential opportunity for fellows to further identify who we are as leaders of color, deepen our knowledge on educational and organizational systems, and receive coaching from an alum who is experienced in policy, advocacy, and organizing. This has been such an eye-opening experience! I’ve had the privilege of learning the intricacies of organizing and exploring my identity as a person of color and how it relates to my work as a leader and educator. I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from my peers as well, as each of us comes from a different background and career path – we bring different perspectives to the space.
What impact has the Leaders of Color for Systems Change Fellowship had on your professional trajectory?
While I have been able to apply much of my learning to my current role as a teacher, the LCFSC Fellowship has inspired me to extend my reach outside of the classroom. I aim to use my knowledge of policy and advocacy and my experience as a public servant in the public school system to collaborate with organizations, public entities, and other teachers to implement programs that promote equity and best practices in schools and the community.