Program in EducationAbout Dorcas
True education is liberating. As teachers, we must be both dreamers and doers. “Good teaching” is not a skill that can simply be learned nor is it something that can be perfected. A good teacher constantly works on their craft because not only is knowledge ever-changing, but so are students. Effective educators realize that students enter classrooms with their own knowledge and the best way to educate them is to utilize what they already know.
Dorcas Yaa Yeboah Gyekye is a third-year TeachHouse Fellow and serves as the Lead Peer Coach. Gyekye graduated with a B.A. in Education Studies from Spelman College in 2020 and received her Master of Arts in Teaching at Duke University in 2021. Dorcas is currently teaching African-American Studies, Civics and Economics, and US History at Jordan High School. As a social studies teacher, it is important to her that students are introduced to the diverse lives and stories of people that history books often leave out. Dorcas is from Kyebi, Ghana, by way of Richmond, VA.
What are you passionate about in education?
I am passionate about teaching as social justice and equity work. In order to be an effective advocate for my students and their communities, I have to take the time to listen to them and their needs. By giving our students a voice it shows them that we are truly invested and that change isn’t just happening to them it is happening for them. My favorite quote about education is:
"I have never encountered any children in any group who are not geniuses. There is no mystery on how to teach them. The first thing you do is treat them like human beings and the second thing you do is love them."
--Dr. Asa Hilliard
How has Duke TeachHouse influenced you as an educator?
Being a part of the TeachHouse community has emphasized the importance of building relationships with other educators. I work hard to show up for my students and especially as a pre-service teacher it’s nice to know I have a community that works hard to show up for me and my wellness.
TeachHouse highlights the role of teachers as professionals--meaning as teachers, we have a duty not only to our students but to our craft. Teaching is really a commitment to being a lifelong learner, researcher, and innovator.
I think at the core of TeachHouse are the principles of servant-leadership.
What drew you to TeachHouse?
I admire TeachHouse being a space created to empower and equip educators with the tools they need to actively carry out the change they want to see in schools. A considerable part of this is collaboration. There is something extraordinary about TeachHouse connecting teachers with leaders in both education and the larger Durham community. It is beautiful to see professionals with different experiences/backgrounds all come together for the advancement of education. Just as every part of the human body plays a critical role in a person’s health, everyone in the community plays a part in the wellness of our education system.
