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Tutor Spotlight: Tiffany Kallam
I will never forget the day, I went to a local used bookstore, looking for a text I needed for class. Browsing, I pulled a yellow tattered book off the shelf and began to read: "To educate as the practice of freedom is a way of teaching that anyone can learn. That learning process comes easiest to those of us who teach who also believe that there is an aspect of our vocation that is sacred; who believe that our work is not merely to share information but to share in the intellectual and spiritual growth of our students. To teach in a manner that respects and cares for the souls of our students is essential if we are to provide the necessary conditions where learning can most deeply and intimately begin." I was immediately overwhelmed with a sense of connectedness. Bell Hooks in her book Teaching to Trangress offered gentle guidance and encouragement that the type of pedagogy I yearned to employ was not only attainable, but needed and craved by learners. In 2012, I graduated with a Bachelor's in Science in Community and Justice Studies from Guilford College in 2012. I then went on to complete my Master's in the Study of Law from Wake Forest School of Law. I had three goals: (1) to teach higher education at a traditional campus (2) to teach those often marginalized by our society; individuals in carceral institutions (3) in each classroom work in partnership with my students to create a safe space that can become a place for each participant to acknowledge and confront their past, to create physical and psychic sanctuaries for examining the present, and to imagine and cocreate alternative futures; embracing a pedagogy of hope and empowerment, and an educational opportunity to work and share with others. To inspire one another; A place to eliminate division and shame, replacing it with pride, mutual respect and community building. Today, just two quick years later, I teach in a traditional classroom at Guilford College and untraditional classrooms in jails and prison--both places of nurturing liberating mutuality between myself and my students. That exact moment when I see a student claim their worth; acknowledging that their voice too, is worthy to be heard at the table. This is not something I can give my students, it is something they cultivate within themselves. What I do, however, is provide a safe space; a sanctuary if you may, for ideas and growth. This is why I am an educator.  Tiffany Kallam spearheaded efforts to establish the Guilford College Higher Education in Prison Program. She was a Guilford College Center for Principled Problem Solving alumni fellow and is currently a UNC William C Friday Fellow for Human Relations. She is an adjunct faculty member in Justice and Policy Studies department at Guilford College, a part time case manager for Americorps Partnership to End Homelessness, where she assists women in recovery and their children who have experienced chronic homelessness. Her newest and exciting venture is the role of Reading Connections Detention Center Program Coordinator, where she will coordinate a sytem of educational services to current and prospective students seeking to enhance literacy skills.
The greatest and most beautiful inspirations in her life are her sons; Brendan and Roman. |
