A Word From Our Student Life Coordinator & Assistant Director of Equity and Belonging
Brian Padilla
Greetings, Fayerweather Street School Community!
My name is Brian Padilla, and I’m delighted to introduce myself as the new Student Life Coordinator and Assistant Director of Equity and Belonging at Fayerweather Street School. Before joining this wonderful community, I spent the last eight years working in public and private schools as a teacher, advisor, and advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. In these roles, my commitment has always been to center students, prioritize equity, and foster authentic relationships. What attracted me to this community were the exceptional educators I encountered during my visit, the school's inspiring mission, and, of course, the students.
In my brief time here, I have seen that the mission is not merely a collection of words but a daily experience. Our teachers dedicate themselves to crafting engaging, joyous lessons that captivate our students. The broader adult community, both within and outside our walls, actively participates in the life of Fayerweather. Our students, the young change-makers, eagerly seek opportunities to better the world we live in.
Among the mission's pillars, it is the fourth one that resonates with me the most: Education must address the themes and issues of our time. In a world undergoing continuous transformation, it is imperative that students are equipped to think critically, grasp the impact of our past on our present, and firmly uphold their values. I witness this holistic approach in action every day here.
As the Student Life Coordinator and Assistant Director of Equity and Belonging, my primary goal in the coming months is to familiarize myself with our students. I aim to understand their passions, discover what brings them joy, and become aware of the challenges they face. To achieve this, I will actively engage in classroom visits, interact with students on the playground, and immerse myself in our community. Additionally, I intend to forge authentic connections with adults both within and outside our school, fostering a collaborative effort to support our student body effectively. Moreover, I am eager to hear your ideas for our equity and belonging initiatives as we continue nurturing these young change-makers.
I look forward to crossing paths with you all within our school in the weeks ahead. However, if you wish to connect sooner, please feel free to reach out via email. I want to express my gratitude for the warm and supportive welcome I received during my initial weeks at Fayerweather Street School.