Animating Question
How can we educators help young people gain the academic skills required to succeed while also growing as whole people through the turbulence of adolescence?
BACKGROUND
Ever since 9th grade, Mira has wanted to be a teacher (before that, she wanted to be a chef.) Mira was lucky to gain a strong pedagogical and justice-oriented framework through Swarthmore College’s teacher education program. With her B.A., Mira also earned teacher certifications in English as a Second Language and Secondary English Literature. They went on to teach at Pennsylvania’s highest-ranked public school. Feeling that they wanted to broaden their horizons, Mira pivoted to international teaching opportunities; they gained an opportunity to help implement a new social-emotional learning curriculum at a private school in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and also were awarded a Fulbright Fellowship to teach English in Colombia. Unfortunately, the pandemic cut short those opportunities. This past year, Mira worked as a member of the Residential Life team at Simmons University, and as a T.A. for the Sociology Department while completing her Master’s degree. She is thrilled to join the NEIA community with its emphasis on interdisciplinary study, innovation, and inclusive community.
EDUCATION
B.A., High Honors, English Literature and Educational Studies with Religious Studies Minor, Swarthmore College; M.A. Gender and Cultural Studies, Simmons University

WHAT THEY’D WHISPER IN THE EAR OF THEIR 15-YEAR-OLD SELF
There’s nothing too shameful or scary to share with others. Opening up to your friends and trusted adults will help you feel more connected and whole, and will open the door for them to see you as a safe person to talk to as well.