Candace Hunter {Inspirational Women}

Educator and Coach

Words by Jessi Devenyns Photos by Eric Morales

Sometimes a solution begins with a small conversation. For Candace Hunter, a former teacher and the founder of Teacher Boot Camp, her individual conversations with her colleagues quickly became a flood of questions asking for her guidance and mentorship. Recognizing that there was an unfilled need for ongoing support for new teachers within AISD, with passion and persistence she persuaded AISD that the glaring need she saw for supplemental teacher support was worth their investment. Her drive to create individual solutions for each unique situation has now not only saved schools time and money, but she has also improved teacher confidence and the students’ quality of education. Unsurprisingly, she receives last-minute calls from administrators asking her to assist in reversing classroom situations that have been months in the making.

Often, she laments that her services are a last ditch effort. “I’ve only had one campus say, ‘We’ve noticed some problems; let’s get you in early,’” she sighs. Still, Candace is glad when they call because what she teaches can’t be learned in a book. She specializes in educating teachers about what they don’t know they need to know. Especially for teachers who are coming in mid-semester and filling in gaps or who are new to the profession, teaching “real knowledge” and “cultural competency” are two of the most important things that Candace can offer.

According to Candace, many problems arise from differences in perspective. Over the years, she has observed that the majority of teachers are young, female, and white. When teaching at Title 1 schools in East Austin, she explains that their contrasting frames of mind can sometimes present a problem. “It’s just small things you just don’t know,” shrugs Candace. Implicit biases, ability or inability to code switch, and the strength of a teacher’s Spanish can all play into the success of interpersonal interactions in the classroom and extend a teacher’s educational outcomes. Those skills are often not inherent, and without guardrails to navigate these unfamiliar environments, teachers can flounder.

AISD is facing pressure to keep seasoned teachers in the classroom, and the large turnover has resulted in those who are teaching in public schools not having adequate experience to handle day-to-day interaction when faced with children who are “good observers, but very poor interpreters,” explains Candace. Although she says that students need and respond to very detailed structure, it takes time to understand how to provide that structure. However, that is where Candace comes in to speed up the process. By providing tricks and tips, she turns the learning curve from years into months so that educators have a chance to succeed in the classroom.

For Candace, the solution to a better education is simple. Once you give a teacher the tools and the support that they need, even the most unfamiliar and difficult situations can be turned around. After all, she adds, “educators are often still learning, and they too sometimes need a guide.”

Candace Hunter not only advocates for teachers but also for the residents of East Austin. She is especially connected to those who live in affordable housing and strives to create an environment free of the negative stereotypes associated with affordable housing. With City Council outlining plans to put a $250M affordable housing bond on the ballot this November, she is working to ensure our city creates spaces where families can thrive and where property management companies have the tools they need to successfully provide resources to their residents.

Contact:
tbced.com
teacherbootcamp0@gmail.com