Five Questions with Mr. Eddie, Teaching Assistant for 3rd-grade Math
Creative Minds teaching assistant Eddie Bennett is a DC native, a veteran of the US Navy, and a student in his last year at Trinity Washington University. At Trinity he’s majoring in health services / occupational therapy and following a passion for public service that was sparked during his years at nonprofit organizations serving at-risk youth, under-represented adults, and offenders reintegrating into their communities.
Mr. Eddie came to CMI on the recommendation of a friend and discovered his love for teaching entirely by accident. He started as an instructor in the After School program and moved on to being a dedicated aide and then into his current role as a 3rd-grade-math teaching assistant. About CMI, Mr. Eddie says, “I have been able to grow and learn so much from the amazing educators here.” Read on for his answers to our five questions.
CMI: What three words best describe you as a teacher?
Eddie Bennett: Three words to describe me as a teacher would be passionate, calm, and inspired.
CMI: What were you most excited about the first time you stepped into the classroom as a teacher?
EB: The first time I stepped into the classroom, all of the students ran up to me to give me hugs and introduce themselves. I felt so welcomed, and they didn’t even know me yet!
CMI: If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to yourself at the age your students are now?
EB: At that age, I thought moms were superheroes. If I could go back in time, I would just confirm that with my younger self.
CMI: If you could take your students anywhere in the world on a learning adventure, where would you go?
EB: If I could take my students anywhere in the world, it would be Rome—the first stop would be the Pantheon.
CMI: What’s the last book you read?
EB: The last book that I read was Seveneves, by Neal Stephenson.