Name: Anna Ryu
Hometown: Albany, NY
Program: MAT ‘26, Chemistry
Education (previous degrees and programs): A.B. Education Studies & A.B. Chemistry, Brown ‘25
How did your undergraduate and work experiences before this program inspire you to go into teaching and pursue an MAT degree?
I started as an undergraduate at Brown with a vague interest in teaching, so in my first semester I started taking classes in the Education Studies department and working with Inspiring Minds in a second-grade classroom at Young Woods Elementary School. I didn’t have much experience in Education or teaching before then, so these two experiences became some of the most formative and (ultimately) lasting parts of my time in college. Throughout my four years, these experiences went hand-in-hand—the readings, discussions, and ideas I grappled with in my classes were grounded, energized, and contextualized by the time I spent with my first and second graders each week. I have deep gratitude to my professors, classmates, the teachers I volunteered with, and my students for so deeply shaping not only my understanding of, but my curiosity in and love for our schools here in Providence.
My understanding of teaching, specifically in Providence, continued to grow through summers with Generation Teach in Providence. Each of the three years with my students, the other Teaching Fellows, and our Teacher Leaders nudged me to reflect on my hopes for myself as a teacher, my students, and the role of an individual teacher within the incredibly layered landscape of education.
At the very core of all of these experiences, though, is a simple feeling of joy I ultimately feel when I work with students or colleagues or mentors in the context of our public schools. This emerges consistently, amongst a dynamic palette of other human feelings, in education spaces… and it tells me this is the right place to be.
What has been a highlight of your experience in the MAT program so far?
Every time that I get to know the other MATs or our faculty better, it feels like a highlight! The best word I’ve been able to come up with to describe our cohort and each incredible person within it: Flavorful. Full of wisdom, ideas, sincerity, and flavor—I am trying to cherish every moment of this year that I get to be surrounded by such deeply interesting and inspiring people.
Where are you doing your student teaching, and what do you like most about the experience there so far?
I am a student teacher at E-Cubed Academy in PPSD, and my mentor is Mark DiBiasio! I love how each day feels so “full”—full of learning and growth, observations, interactions with each student and teacher/staff, and ideas for the future. I’ve especially enjoyed being at E-Cubed with three other MATs, who are an awesome bunch to reflect with and bounce ideas off of during lunch at the school or our drives home.
What or who inspired you to become a teacher?
When I really think about it, I think the “inspiration” I’ve felt to pursue teaching has come from everywhere. Initially, it was many of the teachers I’d had—seeing the ways they connected with students and, over the course of long careers, became anchoring forces within our school. It has come from my professors and classmates, who helped me build a more critical and theoretical lens for thinking about education. It has come from my students, who’ve stretched my mind and heart in ways that energize me forward. It has come from seeing the ways that teachers can make change for their communities through organizing and care. It comes from seeing the brilliant, compassionate peers around me who want to teach and work with young people. There are so many sources of inspiration on this path, and I wish I could name them all!
What does educational equity mean to you?
There are so many ways to answer this question… beyond defining what it “is,” I’ve come to feel that my role in supporting/protecting/fighting for educational equity means upholding values of humility, longevity, and community. I hope to maintain and practice humility both within my classroom and community, to recognize that the ability to listen, reflect, and adjust is critical if we are to more equitably and effectively serve our students. I hope to honor longevity by acknowledging that our schools are stronger when there is stability and consistency—in resources, support, people (committed to humility). And I hope to honor community by planting myself and seeking opportunities to connect/work with the people around me.
How do you like to spend your free time?
These days, I really love doing puzzles (either at my house or at the library), sitting at the park when the sun is setting, and trying to make baked goods. It’s also such a joy spending time with friends! (Sometimes trying to get them to do puzzles or bake with me…) I also appreciate the vibrant music community here, so I play with different music groups and try to catch as many performances as I can!
What excites you the most about your post-graduation plans?
I am most excited to embark on the marathon that is a teaching career, in Providence. There is so much to learn and do, and I’m looking forward to joining and building the community to do it.