She has longed to use her experience, energy, and dedication to become a true leader. In being part of the inaugural Detroit cohort of the Surge Institute, the dean of lower elementary at Westfield Academy has found that being a leader means understanding yourself.
“Even as leaders we learn that a lot of times we pour so much into what it is that we do that we have to make sure that we take that moment to pour into ourselves so that we can be the best persons and products of what it is that we’re trying to accomplish for others, especially our children,” she said.
Laster-Bey is one of 11 in the Detroit cohort of the Surge Institute, which will help her home her executive skills, problem-solving abilities, and team-building techniques. They will also navigate complex topics surrounding the historical inequity in education and politics. In addition to the leadership opportunities, Laster-Bey wants to be a catalyst for change in the community for children and families at Westfield, which outperforms the district.
Since becoming a fellow in October, she has heard from speakers and presenters from different areas of education who have given insight through critical collectives. The collectives detail a scenario and provide examples of different components of leadership.
Laster-Bey wants her actions to be the starting point for others. Hopefully, that spurs growth that extends beyond her community and into others by possibly providing sponsorships, or speaking with other educators, making a connection, and ensuring their voice is heard.
“One of my philosophies is that I want to be the stone to create that ripple that continues for generations to follow and even after I am long gone or elsewhere in the world or in life,” she said. “I want to be looked upon as that little Black girl from the east side of Detroit that was given an opportunity and offer opportunity to others and then we could keep moving.”
Laster-Bey strives to include parents and relate to their perspective by keeping an open door for them and not letting a problem fall through the cracks. By talking directly to them, it eliminates the disconnect between the educational community and the neighborhood.
“A lot of times people are hesitant to talk to parents, but I speak to parents on a level of, ‘Hey, I understand, I’m wearing this hat,’” she said. “I’m here to support you, but I need for you also to do some work. Many times people expect for our students to come to school and for the teachers to perform miracles and to perform the magic. We have to work as a community.”
Keep up the excellent work, Mrs. Laster-Bey!
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About Westfield Charter Academy
Westfield Charter Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Redford, Michigan, serving students in kindergarten through 6th grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies network, which includes 99 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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