In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, the concept of empowering students has become more critical than ever. At Benedictine High School, an all boys school located in Cleveland, Ohio, Paul Gambon stands out as a dedicated educator who has made it his mission to empower his students. Through innovative teaching methods, a deep personal motivation, and a focus on student agency, he ensures that his students are not only academically successful but also prepared for life beyond the classroom.
Background and Personal Motivation
Paul Gambon’s journey into education is both inspiring and multifaceted. Growing up in Florida, Paul began his teaching career at his alma mater, Bishop Kenny High School. He spent his first five years teaching there before moving on to teach college-level biology after earning his M.S. His career took a brief detour into research labs and recruitment before he returned to his true calling in 2019.
“I have 10 years of teaching experience,” Paul shares. “I have always been somewhat of a teacher. When I was in scouting, I loved doing skill demonstrations for younger scouts. That skill set followed me into my career.” This early experience laid the foundation for Paul’s passion for teaching and his commitment to empowering students.
Paul’s motivation and passion for teaching are deeply rooted in his belief in the mentor/apprentice model. “I believe that now more than ever, the model of mentor/apprentice needs to be renewed,” he explains. “I see myself as a ‘whole child’ educator. My goal is not just to ensure that I cover the state’s curriculum requirements. I want to build lasting professional relationships with my students and help them to be successful outside the classroom.”
Influences and Philosophy
Paul’s teaching style has been influenced by many educators and role models who were profoundly immersed in their material. “I have always been inspired by people who could randomly quote classics, instantly review data and create conclusions, or solve a formula on the fly,” he says. These individuals seemed almost magical to him, but he realized that their abilities were the result of practice and discipline.
This realization has become a core belief for Paul. “My students need to see discipline and understand that they are beginning their journey in education. I want to help them see the person who is the RESULT of their hard work and let that person be their motivator.”
Empowering Strategies and Practices
Empowering students is at the heart of Paul’s teaching philosophy. He fosters a sense of ownership and agency in his students’ learning by involving them in hands-on assignments and activities. “I work very hard to have my students doing the work of learning,” he explains. “Many of my assignments are things like building a presentation or debating issues we have discussed in class.”
Paul also emphasizes the importance of disciplined study habits. “I want my students to be able to learn no matter who the teacher is,” he says. By instilling these habits, he ensures that his students are equipped with the skills they need to succeed in any learning environment.
Overcoming Challenges
Empowering students is not without its challenges. One of the most common obstacles Paul encounters is students being stuck in limiting mindsets. “Most often, I find that my students have learned that they can’t do something and are reluctant to try,” he shares. To address this, Paul works one-on-one with students to help them overcome these barriers. He also collaborates closely with Benedictine’s counseling department to provide additional support.
Creating an Empowering Environment
Paul believes that creating an empowering environment is crucial for student success. He works hard to build rapport with his students from day one, ensuring that they feel comfortable advocating for themselves and their learning. “I make it a habit from day one of school that they will never be ‘in trouble’ for talking to me,” he explains. This open communication helps students feel safe and supported.
Paul also emphasizes the importance of parental communication. “When I communicate with parents, I work to ensure they know that I am advocating for their child to succeed instead of gatekeeping their exclusion from opportunity,” he says. By involving parents in the educational process, Paul creates a collaborative environment that benefits the students.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Paul has high hopes for the future of education, particularly as it relates to student empowerment. He believes that modern education needs to move beyond the factory model and focus on instilling purpose in students’ hearts. “In many ways, the factory model of school has desired to produce capable workers, but Catholic Education should do more than put skill in our hands. It should put purpose in our hearts,” he states.
Paul’s advice for other educators who want to empower their students is to build meaningful professional relationships. “They should see you as a co-parent, a trusted adult who is a SAFE adult with whom students don’t have to be on defense,” he advises. He also encourages educators to treat school rules as guiding moments in discipline and to look for opportunities to work with small groups where individual personalities can emerge.
Paul Gambon’s journey as an educator is a testament to the power of empowering students. His innovative teaching methods, personal motivation, and focus on student agency have made a significant impact on his students’ lives. By building meaningful relationships, fostering disciplined study habits, and creating an empowering environment, Paul ensures that his students are prepared for success both inside and outside the classroom.
As education continues to evolve, the principles and practices of student empowerment will remain crucial. Educators like Paul Gambon are leading the way, showing us how to create inclusive, engaging, and effective learning environments for all students.
