A 2012 graduate of the Graduate School of Education program in secondary education, social studies, Charlie McGeehan is a 12th grade teacher at The U School in Philadelphia. In addition to teaching English, history, and the humanities, McGeehan is dedicated to training white teachers in anti-racism efforts and designing inquiry-based curriculum for students that gives students a rich learning experience.
How has being a Penn alumnus shaped your career?
I had an awesome experience at GSE in what is now called the Urban Teaching Apprenticeship program that shaped the way I teach now. I’m teaching African American history later this year, and it will focus on the uprisings that are happening right now. GSE gave me the skills to frame education that prepares students to engage in a vigorous democracy.
How have you helped to foster a positive environment at work?
I’m always thinking about my position as a white person who grew up in the suburbs, who teaches Black and Latinx students. It’s important to acknowledge current events that affect students, like the Walter Wallace Jr. killing. Students should feel like the classroom is an open space for them to talk and receive support. In 2017, I co-founded a group—Building Anti-Racist White Educators (BARWE). We’ve been diving into grassroots, teacher-led work to engage with other white teachers around what we need to do to take a more active role in anti-racist work. Penn played a role in BARWE, since I discovered the Teacher Action Group while at GSE, where I met the folks who joined me in creating BARWE.
What is the best career advice you have received?
Both of my parents were teachers throughout their entire careers. I saw them stay connected and engaged. For me, staying in touch with other teachers who are passionate and committed to racial justice is really important.
Did you receive mentorship while at Penn? If so, how have you paid that forward for other students?
Absolutely. Professor Karen Clark invited GSE alumni to share their unit plans and talk about teaching, which was inspiring. Penn played a large role in helping me get tied into anti-racist work as a young teacher. It was such a valuable experience. Since then, I’ve been back to GSE to speak in the classroom too, so it’s been nice to see that cycle continue.
