Emma White

Bio

Emma White, from Chelmsford, Mass., is a third year undergraduate at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. She is studying biology with a certificate in marine science, and she has worked with the Office of Community Service Learning on campus both as an administrative assistant and as a faculty liason. She is devoted to civic engagement as a teaching tool for life as well as for school. After completing her bachelor's degree, Emma will be pursuing a Ph.D. in biology and a master's in education. In the foundation, Emma is the resident expert on community service learning and keeps records of all of our meetings.

Educational philosophy

What is the purpose of education?

The purpose of education is to ensure well-informed, inquisitive, and engaged citizens.

What is the role of the student in education?

Students are meant to ask questions and work to understand the answers. They grow and build upon the knowledge that they have acquired. They also test the boundaries around them.

What is the role of the teacher in education?

Teachers are meant to facilitate the learning process for the students: They pose the questions that incite critical thinking, and answer the questions the students pose to the best of their ability. Teachers also must learn from their students.

What is the role of the teacher in the community?

The teacher has a responsibility to the community to ensure safety and development for each child.

What is the purpose of the school?

Schools are a safe environment that bring the students and the teachers together. They are a place for social, emotional, mental and physical development for students.

Why are you involved in JZEF?

I am involved in JZEF because I see that public schools have strayed very far from any mode of education, and I want to create an alternative system that works. I was angry with my school system because it was difficult to find a challenging environment with teachers who were interested in teaching beyond the minimal requirements. I am intent on creating more than a successful private high school, I want to create a successful model for education that can be adapted to other schools, both private and public.