Edrie Ward never wanted to be a teacher. It was the furthest thing from her mind when she was burnt out from her first career in hospital administration. She thought it was time to open the soul food restaurant she’d always dreamed of. Eager for a change of pace, she got her B.A. in Business Administration and MBA. And just when she thought she was done with the rigors of studying and paper writing, a seemingly random phone call sent her in a completely new direction.
Answering the Call
“I thought it was a prank call,'' she remembers. The persistence of the unknown caller, urgently seeking teachers, convinced her to explore the opportunity further. Soon, she found herself sitting in a room with representatives from UNLV, considering the prospect of becoming a certified teacher through the Expedited Alternative Route to Licensure program.
A dash of perseverance, a sprinkle of the unexpected, and a pinch of passion would be her recipe for success. And while she might not have fulfilled her dream of opening her restaurant, working with her special education students has since become an even more satisfying food for her soul. Driven by the belief that every child, regardless of their challenges, deserves the opportunity to surpass expectations, her career in education took off.
Encouraging Life-Long Learning and Growth
Graduating from UNLV in August 2007 with a master's in special education was just the beginning. Edrie's commitment to lifelong learning led her to complete an additional course, Train the Trainers. There, she was equipped to educate fellow teachers on the importance of embracing diversity in the classroom.
As a special education teacher at Brinley Middle School, she uses teaching methods that prioritize building students' confidence. She believes that “when students feel comfortable and safe, that’s when learning can really begin.” Instead of punishment, Edrie emphasizes choices, nurturing an environment where students can grow and make positive decisions.
Diversity is the Spice of Life
Edrie's most recent achievement, being named Southern Nevada Black Educators Initiative (SNBEI) Educator of the Year, reflects her dedication and impact on the education community. Upon receiving the award, her initial shock underscored her humble and selfless approach to her profession. “I never do things in the hope of getting recognized,” she remarked. The award serves as a testament to the lives she has touched and the difference she has made in the lives of her students and colleagues.
Her unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in education is exemplified through her involvement with SNBEI and UNLV’s African American Alumni Club. She has lobbied for fairness and empowerment for all teachers, striving to ensure that the voices of underrepresented educators are heard and valued. Her advocacy extends to promoting diversity in the teaching profession, believing that children need to see educators who look like them.
Embracing Life's Twists
As she continues to impact young lives, Edrie's future goals include finishing her Ph.D., teaching abroad post-retirement, and sharing her knowledge with educators around the world. Her message to aspiring educators is simple yet powerful, “persevere, prioritize balance, and remember that even if you only impact one life, you've accomplished something truly remarkable.”
Edrie Ward's journey from the corporate world to special education is a testament to how fulfilling a career in education can be. Her willingness to pivot and nourish the souls of her students and fellow educators and students serves as an inspiration to all. Edrie’s journey proves that sometimes, the most fulfilling careers are those we never planned for but embrace wholeheartedly.