English teacher Ricky George’s classroom at Summit Academy School – Warren Middle and Secondary exudes a freedom-for-all aura. It’s a space where students say they feel safe to express their opinions and be themselves without judgment. It’s a place where lively lessons range from poetry to podcasting to reading great literature.
Students in George’s ELA course, journalism elective or both express feelings of being seen, heard and understood in a classroom where George teaches with an unconventional style.
“I am quirky. I like to challenge students to make sure they think for themselves,” says George. He adds that traditional teaching methods do not always work at Summit Academy where students in his classroom can pour themselves a cup of joe or brew hot tea.
“I’m old-school. So, I use unorthodox methods to push my kids to bring out their talent. That can be as simple as being honest and upfront with them or sharing real-life experiences that happened to me. Letting them see where the teacher is coming from, building trust. If you go by traditional teaching methods you are just a cookie cutter teacher,” he says.
Decked in University of Michigan Maize and Blue from head to toe, George says he strives to feed the individual strengths of his students, challenge them and build their confidence.
“Embrace your differences. That’s what’s going to separate you from someone else,” he tells them.
George holds his students accountable with high expectations. “I don’t accept mediocrity,” he says.
Whether it’s his juniors reading and discussing “The Old Man and the Sea” or his budding journalists producing a podcast on vaping, George says his students inevitably rise to the occasion.
“He wants you to focus on class and like what you’re doing. I’m comfortable in his class. He makes it feel like home,” says 11th grader Lindsey Rivera. “He gives the perfect amount of sympathy and, for lack of better words, he doesn’t stand for BS.”
George rallies behind his students, referring to them as “star producers,” “star podcasters” and “star poets.”
“He allows us to really express ourselves through poetry. He doesn’t limit us to a couple of words. He lets us show emotion. I appreciate him giving us that freedom,” says ninth grader CG Leslie.
George’s students are both mentored and lead the way in their studies and projects, which include the Summit UP school newspaper, a forthcoming literary magazine, podcasts and required ELA coursework. When they conduct interviews for feature stories and podcasts, for instance, the students take the reins, building their self-confidence and social skills along the way. “I step back and let them run the show,” says George, referring to a core group of students working on a podcast.
In his journalism class, George says he wants his students to understand the importance of journalism and being unbiased when covering a story. “A true journalist is someone who seeks to find the truth, not make up the truth,” says George. “Journalism is a noble profession, but it has changed in recent years because of social media and people who write slanted articles that favor their specific view.”
Just as George wants each of his students to recognize the impact of fair and unfair reporting, ninth grader Leslie says he takes time to understand all his students and their needs.
George says he wants every one of his students to realize their highest potential.
“I want them to know they have the power in them to make a difference in the world,” he says. “Many times, our students never heard adults praise them.”