This week is National School Choice Week, a nationwide celebration highlighting options in education. As a teacher in a public charter school in Jersey City, I am proud to part of the growing school choice movement here in New Jersey.

The oldest of five children in a single mother household, I was often times responsible for the care and welfare of my four younger siblings as my mom worked hard to support us. School was my safe haven. There I could just be a kid; unfortunately it didn’t meet my advanced needs, or the needs of my brothers, who required specialized programs. My own experiences have fueled my passion for school choice and advancing options for kids. I want the students of today to have true opportunity in education.

School Choice is about empowering parents, students­- and even teachers- with the ability to CHOOSE the learning environment that best nurtures and supports individualized needs. A one size fits all model in education is counterproductive to success. Of course, school choice is not just about public charters, it is about all types of education, and understanding how critical it is for all students, despite geographic location or socioeconomic status, to experience a quality education and guide them to success and the realization of their dreams.

As a teacher, school choice provides me with the ability to cultivate learning in a way that is meaningful to my students, with a curriculum and mission I believe in, while helping me realize my lifelong dream: to make a difference in my city and help every child believe in their ability to SOAR.

Jomayra Torres is an AAE member teacher from Jersey City, New Jersey

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