Going back to school is a big step, and it can be intimidating for adults who haven’t set foot in a classroom for many years. But the Baltimore Excel Center’s Lead Teacher, DaShawn Archer, says there’s no need to worry. As lead teacher, she makes sure students get the help they need to succeed. She advocates for students, communicating with Excel Center counselors, life coaches and teachers to ensure everyone is collaborating to support each student.
DaShawn is eager to guide students through their education journey, helping them make the most of this second chance to earn a high school diploma. Her role transcends teaching; she is a liaison between students and a network of counselors, life coaches, and educators, all working in unison to foster each student’s academic and personal growth. Watch this video to learn more about DaShawn:
At the official opening of Goodwill’s Baltimore Excel Center, DaShawn expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to help students start a new chapter in their life. She also emphasized the importance of meeting each student where they are in their education journey, and helping them cross the finish line.
While the Excel Center won’t do the work for students, the tuition-free adult high school is designed to remove barriers to students’ success. Transportation assistance helps students get to the Excel Center in downtown Baltimore. An on-site drop-in daycare center is available for children up to fifth grade, so parents can pursue their diploma. The Excel Center’s class schedule is flexible and tailored to students’ needs, with the goal of making their education journey as fulfilling as possible.
Baltimore’s Excel Center is based on a model proven successful in 37 other locations in the U.S. After completion of Excel Center programs in other cities, 70% of graduates enroll in college or are employed six months after graduation.
DaShawn is confident that Goodwill’s Excel Center will have a profound effect on Baltimore. In an interview with The Baltimore Times, she said, “Our impact in Baltimore is going to be huge. It’s unfortunate that a lot of students have dropped out of school in Baltimore City. However, we are here to give them a second chance. We are here to tell them, ‘hey, this is a new adventure, this is a new journey that you will come to in life and we’re trying to get you to the next level — whether it’s economically, socially, academically, mentally.’ We’re here to get students to the next level in order to thrive and meet their future goals and needs.”
DaShawn extends appreciation and thanks to everyone who made Goodwill’s Baltimore Excel Center possible, as it offers a ray of hope to many Baltimorians who are seeking a second chance.
