Miami Herald: Homestead teacher to help shape U.S. education policy
Aug 18, 2009
Posted on Wed, Aug. 12, 2009
BY KATHLEEN McGRORY
In a Homestead classroom, Adewale Alonge teaches middle schoolers about biology and agriculture.
Soon, he’ll be sharing lessons with the U.S. Department of Education.
Alonge was one of 13 teachers chosen from 1,400 applicants to collaborate with federal education officials on national policy.
”Too often, teachers are not at the table when major policies are being formed,” Alonge said. ”We bring a unique perspective, being on the front lines. I’m glad our voice will be heard.”
The Teaching Ambassador Fellowship program was created last year to involve classroom teachers in the policymaking process. It also aims to keep teachers up to speed on issues related to national education reform.
During their yearlong fellowship, the teachers learn about key federal programs — and lend their expertise to the dialogue.
CONSULTATION
Alonge, 50, will remain in South Florida, where he will continue teaching at Homestead Middle. He will consult with the Department of Education on a part-time basis.
Alonge has had a lifelong passion for education.
He grew up as a member of a poor family in Nigeria. His parents — who had no formal schooling themselves — pushed each of their children to attend college.
”We were told that education was the only way out of poverty,” Alonge recalled.
Alonge chose to study agriculture.
”Food is what keeps us alive,” he said. ”It’s important to understand where it comes from.”
After earning his bachelor’s degree in the science of agriculture from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Alonge came to the United States to further his education.
He later earned his doctorate in agricultural education at Iowa State University.
COUSIN IN BROWARD
He came to South Florida to be near a cousin living in Broward County. That summer, he took a teaching job at Homestead Middle.
Drawing upon his own studies, he developed an innovative curriculum in agriscience, one that is especially relevant to those students whose parents are migrant workers.
”A lot of the kids come to school thinking that agriculture is the last thing they want to do,” Alonge said. ”We show them that it’s not just picking the fruit. There are many professional options in agriculture.”
In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Alonge has also done research on the use of technology in middle and high schools.
He also founded a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable development in South Florida and sub-Saharan Africa.
Alonge applied for the U.S. Department of Education fellowship earlier this year.
IMPRESSIVE RESUME
Education officials said they were impressed by both his résumé and his dedication.
”He has such a rich history and experience in his field,” program director Gillian Cohen-Boyer said. ”We absolutely loved that he has a Ph.D. and is teaching agriscience to middle schoolers.”
Alonge called his selection into the Teaching Ambassador Fellowship program ”a tremendous opportunity to help shape our national educational agenda.”
Education reform is likely to be a high-profile issue in Washington this year.
The federal government recently set aside $5 billion in stimulus funds for innovation in education. And the federal No Child Left Behind law is up for reauthorization.
Alonge said he hopes to bring a global perspective to the Department of Education.
JOB OFFERS
He also hopes to share what he learns with his fellow teachers in Miami-Dade County.
Over the years, Alonge has been offered teaching jobs at various colleges. But he has chosen to stick with middle school.
”It’s a challenging environment,” he said. ”The students are beginning to find themselves. They need someone who really cares to guide them through this very tumultuous time.”
Homestead Middle principal Rachelle Surrancy said she was as ”proud as a peacock” when she learned that Alonge would be sharing his expertise with Washington.
”The fact that he was selected for this program speaks volumes for his dedication and commitment to education,” she said.