Today we’d like to introduce you to Reed Ramirez.
Hi Reed, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
When I graduated with my Bachelor’s in Applied Learning and Development from the University of Texas at Austin in 2015, I searched for the perfect school in Austin to begin my teaching career. I wanted to find a school community where I could facilitate learning through projects and hands-on lessons, spend time teaching outside the traditional classroom setting, and be open about my identity as a Queer educator. I had heard from veteran LGBTQ+ teachers that being openly gay in traditional Texas schools posed too big a risk, so finding an inclusive community was of the utmost importance to me. When I first interviewed at Austin Discovery School (ADS), a small rainbow flag greeted me in the front lobby, and I instantly felt at home. I found tremendous joy in teaching and learning alongside my Kindergarteners and First Graders at ADS. The weekly class hikes on the trails adjacent to the school, designing lessons based on student interests and inquiries, and being part of such an inclusive school environment felt like a dream come true. After a couple of years of teaching, I became a mentor to new ADS teachers and student teachers from UT Austin, discovered my passion for education extended beyond the classroom, and began applying to graduate programs that would put me on a path to school leadership. I was thrilled to be accepted into Harvard Graduate School of Education, where I completed my Master’s in Educational Leadership in 2019. I returned to Austin that summer and had the incredible opportunity to continue learning and growing at Austin Discovery School as Interim Head of School. After a year of navigating the pandemic in the interim position, I stepped into my current role as Head of School.
We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I could not have expected the challenges that came the year I started as Interim Head of School when the world shut down due to COVID-19. Figuring out how to transition our hands-on, outdoor learning program to a virtual platform took work. I spent a lot of time working with teachers, talking with families, and on long calls with the Texas Education Agency to provide the best experience possible to our students. Returning to campus in October 2020 posed unique challenges as we worked to protect the health and safety of our school community.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Austin Discovery School?
Austin Discovery School is an innovative, tuition-free K-6 public charter school in East Austin dedicated to building compassion, collaboration, and critical thinking by engaging students with the natural world. Students learn through hands-on activities and projects, hike weekly on our attached hiking trails, and participate in our unique EcoWellness program. In EcoWellness, children learn environmental stewardship, gardening skills, animal care, and sustainable living practices. The program includes dedicated staff, gardens, and tended farm animals like ducks, chickens, and rabbits. Additionally, our social-emotional learning (SEL) program is unique in that students have access to a space called “Restore,” where staff members support students when they need help resolving conflicts or working through difficult emotions. Our SEL program has an ongoing partnership with Texas State University and hosts 16-20 student interns from their Psychology department each year. Lastly, we strive to be an affirming and inclusive school for students of diverse identities and backgrounds; and to provide a safe space where LGBTQ+ students, families, and faculty can be their whole, authentic selves.
Interested families may submit an admissions application through our website by March 31st to be entered into the lottery for the upcoming year. ADS has more applications than spaces in each grade level; available spaces are filled through a random lottery each April. We maintain a waitlist and continually fill spots throughout the school year if any become available.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
As a young professional and school leader, I have often experienced “imposter syndrome” or feelings of self-doubt and insecurity. Finding trusted mentors has been crucial to overcoming those feelings and navigating challenging situations. I have found that more seasoned leaders are eager to offer guidance, resources, and ideas if I take the first step and ask!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.austindiscoveryschool.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austin_discovery_school/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/austindiscoveryschool/
