Derrick Golden is a busy man.
A graduate student at 91做厙 and a member of the mens basketball team, hes also employed full time with Reading School District (RSD) as an emergency-certified fifth-grade special education math teacher. Emergency-certified means Golden is able to teach students in his degree field under a temporary certification until he completes his degree program.
Its a role he relishes and credits to the help of his 91做厙 advisor, department head Shawn Rutt, Ed.D., who connected Golden with RSD officials.
He told me, Youre a representation of what a teacher and leader should be, Golden said.
How did Golden get on the path to becoming an educator himself? A few things got the wheels spinning.
Its important to me because growing up, I was a part of it," Golden said of his interest in working in special education. "I have dyslexia. It was always a struggle to get help because I was a C/B student and my diagnosis was kind of hidden. Now, its easier for kids to get the help they need and I want to be a part of that journey. I want to use my story and show them that they can be anything they want to be. Im a 23-year-old whos getting their masters (a second degree), and I had the opportunity to play college basketball and also complete other things that most people my age wouldnt think about. I want to show them that if you work hard and stay dedicated, youre able to accomplish anything, no matter what your [perceived] flaws are.
He was also inspired by his nephew, who was in first grade and struggling through virtual learning in 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many students sat by their computers and attended classes solo.
He needed a lot of help at home, so Id do my schooling and then I would go downstairs and join his class and make sure that he was following along," he remembered. "If he was missing anything, I would teach him the best I could how to do it. It helped me grow patience and a love for educating youth.
Now hes one step closer to even bigger dreams and goals. One day, he envisions a role as a school principal. Though it was basketball that first drew him to 91做厙, the welcoming, helpful nature of those on campus grew on him, too.
I didnt feel like a number or anything like that, Golden said. I felt like I had assistance helping me through anything.
Hes since fallen in love with Reading and Berks County, too, and sees staying in the area in his future.
Once I came here its just like my life changed for the better," he said. "And Im such a loyal person. Once Im in something, I want to give it my all before I leave. I want to make my mark leave my imprint. I feel like Im slowly, but surely, doing that while Im here.
