EVIN SHINN, Seattle, Washington, USA

Years in Education: 7-10
Black 
Gay
Male 
High School Language Arts and Social Studies Teacher

Q: What do you have in common with your students? 

A: I am a person of color who is still discovering what it means to be woke everyday. I used to see the world colorblindly, if I'm honest. More and more often, I'm scared when I see a police officer for no reason. I'm scared for my students. I try to model what it means to be an educated young Black man. I don't always feel successful and that story resonates with students.

​Q: Does it matter that students and teachers have things in common? 

A: Students MUST have things in common with their teachers -- particularly our most vulnerable students. They need to see themselves in the people who see with them more than their parents. We must share our stories as a community, holding them with truth and grace. That is how we are going to get through life together. 

Evin is a 2017 Washington State Teacher Leader. Follow him on Twitter @baritoneblogger.

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