Profile -Suzie Kassouf
Profile -Suzie Kassouf
Suzie Kassouf is a new student teacher that is working with teacher Blaire Hennessy in her social studies classes. Kassouf hopes to bring what she learns from being an activist to the Lincoln community.
Throughout the year Kassouf will be taking over a handful of the history classes.
“Right now I am mostly just observing,” said Kassouf, “then I will be taking over this class [6th period U.S. history]. And then in the spring, I will be taking over three more classes.”
Kassouf has many reasons that inspired her to become an educator.
“Education is at the core of building a just and liberating world and that everyone has the capacity to be compassionate, loving and caring,” said Kassouf.
This is Kassouf’s second year in the Lincoln community. Last year she observed in both Mr. Reed’s and Ms. Hennessy’s classes as part of her teacher education program.
This year she has new goals.
She hopes to“create a sense of care in the classroom, I want us all to feel like a community together and like our voice matters but also have the humility to learn,” said Kassouf.
In addition to being a teacher and a student, Kassouf is also an activist. Kassouf became an activist after learning that UN scientists published a document stating that we have until 2030 to cut our global emissions in half.
“At first I just got really depressed,” said Kassouf “ but then I just thought you know I am not going to give up.”
Kassouf works with Sunrise pdx (a non-profit organization) where she co-coordinate their actions and strategy team.
“We have been showing up to the Metro 20/20 task force meetings,” Kassouf said.
At these meetings, she has been “pressuring them not to expand freeways and do things that will make for more fossil fuel infrastructure but instead to really invest in public transit and safe biking and walking.”
Kassouf has learned a lot through her work as an activist that she wishes to bring to the classroom.
“We are so much more powerful than the powers that be want us to believe … but when we join together we can make anything happen.”
That's a really captivating story!
ReplyDeleteThis was a really well written piece. I like that you used a lot of quotes!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed that you decided to interview a student teacher!
ReplyDeleteI love how positive this profile is.
ReplyDeleteYou made good connections between the different parts of her life and how they came together
ReplyDeleteI like this story because it is very captivating and impactful. She is going to be my teacher after spring break so it is nice to know more about her.
ReplyDeleteI really like your focus on activism. Your profile is very informative and inspiring.
ReplyDeleteYour profile is unique and interesting.
ReplyDeleteThis profile was really interesting to read. It's nice to see a different perspective on bringing in activism into the classroom.
ReplyDeleteI like how you talked about Kassouf's life at Lincoln and the things she does outside of her job
ReplyDelete