Teachers have a big impact on children, and their positivity or negativity can deeply affect them, said Indianapolis Fire Department battalion chief and director of a summer learning program for kids.
The Alliance of Black Teachers invited Anthony Williamson to speak about his experiences working with youth Dec. 2.
The Saint Florian Center Youth Development Camp is a seven-week summer program serving around 100 Indianapolis kids, giving them skills to lead. During their time at the camp, the kids are not told what to do, but given the opportunity to be leaders.
Indianapolis firefighters started the camp in 1992.
“As a community of firefighters, a community of teachers and leaders, we had to give back,” Williamson said. “[We] had to find a way to teach these young kids to believe in themselves.”
Before he was a firefighter, Williamson attended Ball State University and played football for the university. He taught at North Central High School after graduation. He switched careers in 1986, but said his teaching background has shaped his life.
Williamson said it was teachers throughout his life who inspired him by planting seeds of positivity. His teachers growing up taught him to be a risk-taker, which he said is an important trait for educators to have.
He also warned of the dangers of negativity toward children. Williamson said it is not enough to simply teach the subject; a teacher also has to love the kids to reach them.
“Watch your words, because they have a huge impact on your young people,” Williamson said.
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