Print
RSS 
Sign up for E-news
 |
Nivan Khosravi was named the third All Star in Achievement presented by Wachovia.
I love the “ahaa!” moments. I love seeing a child’s face and hearing the squeal of excitement when he or she effortlessly deciphers a difficult word, or masters a concept in math. Those moments show that my students are actually learning, and becoming a step closer to being tomorrow’s leaders. I love those moments when all of the hard work of my students pays off, and they begin to attain their academic and life goals.
Who or what influenced you to be a teacher?
I was influenced to be a teacher by two major factors: the achievement gap and my high school English experience. As a high school student, growing into a young man, I felt deeply touched by the lessons my English teachers were able to instill in me. We studied Dickens, Shakespeare, and Morrison. Reading and learning in those classes was much more an experience learning about life through literature and daily lessons than anything cut-and-dry. I was inspired to grow into the person I am now, and began to learn as much about myself as the worlds of the authors we read. With this, I realized that I could give my love of literature, learning, and life to others by being a teacher myself. What better way to spend one’s professional life than to inspire others the way I, myself had been inspired?
Another pivotal influence was the realization that millions of students in our nation do not have the amazing educational experiences I was afforded. Students growing up in low-income neighborhoods under-perform in math and reading, limiting their academic and future opportunities. After learning this devastating problem facing our nation, I was compelled to be a part of the solution- to ensure that each student I teach has a future laden with opportunity.
What are the biggest challenges you face as a teacher?
The biggest challenge I face as a teacher is teaching in a classroom with starkly different ability levels. I work to find new ways to make lessons interesting to students reading at first, second, third, fourth, and fifth grade levels (as they do in my current classroom).
What intrigued you about the opportunities with Teach For America?
I knew that joining Teach For America was the right choice for me. It afforded me an opportunity to challenge myself to do everything I can to close the achievement gap in my own classroom. I was drawn by the strong professional development and support the program provides, and its focus on best practices in teaching. I was driven to join a group of like-minded, driven individuals who expect nothing but my best. I was originally, and remain today, intrigued by the opportunity to craft my individual creativity and hard work to close the achievement gap in Charlotte.
What’s one interesting thing your students don’t know about you?
I love to snowboard. It has been a passion since I was a child growing up in Colorado. The excitement and thrill of zooming down mountainsides through deep snow has been a part of my life for many years.
Teacher
Subject
Second Grade
School
J.H. Gunn Elementary - Charlotte, NC
Years Teaching
2 years
Education
I have a Bachelor of Arts from Oberlin College. I graduated with a double major in Environmental Studies and English, with a minor in Sociology. I am a current student at the University of North Carolina Charlotte, expecting to earn a Graduate Certificate in Teaching next fall.
Favorite Bobcats player
My favorite player is DJ Augustin. He is a young player who gives his best no matter what. In that respect, he is a team leader and an even stronger athlete.
 |
Take a look at what happened when Rufus visited Nivan Khosravi's school. View gallery |
 |
Watch what Nivan Khosravi had to say about being selected as an All Star in Achievement. Watch video |
Send us your thoughts on the Bobcats and Wachovia's All Stars in Achievement and we'll post them using your selected screen name. | |
