Arnold Ford
Mastery Charter School
Philadelphia, PA USA
"[Educators] have the opportunity to recreate the lived experience of a kid forever, and that’s power."
Career Roadmap
Arnold's work combines: Education, Writing, and Teaching / Mentoring
See more careers and stories that connect to your interests.
Take Roadmap Quiz
Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
I started my career working for an insurance company but quickly realized that it wasn't for me. I wasn't happy in the corporate world. So I decided to quit and make a career change. It was definitely a struggle. My parents thought I was crazy and I ran into some financial stress. However, the alternative was the remain in a position that didn't bring me any happiness. I would've been comfortable and made more money, but I wouldn't be fulfilled. Leaving was the right decision for me.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Black Studies and Communications
Lincoln University
Graduate Degree
Educational Leadership
Relay GSE
Certification
PA Principal Certification
Certification
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
I started my career writing for an insurance company but quickly realized it wasn’t fulfilling.
2.
After quitting that corporate job, I found my passion while working with youth at a summer camp.
3.
I got certified as a teacher and began teaching social studies, later adding English to my roster.
4.
My first teaching position was at Leadership Academy in North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
5.
Transitioning into administration, I became an assistant principal at Mastery Charter School’s Mann Elementary campus.
6.
I’ve dedicated myself to making love and joy central to our school culture, greeting students each day with positivity.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Parents:
You can't quit your corporate job. That's crazy.
How I responded:
I started my career working for an insurance company but quickly realized that it wasn't for me. I wasn't happy in the corporate world. So I decided to quit and make a career change. It was definitely a struggle. My parents thought I was crazy and I ran into some financial stress. However, the alternative was the remain in a position that didn't bring me any happiness. I would've been comfortable and made more money, but I wouldn't be fulfilled. Leaving was the right decision for me.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
When I first started teaching, I'd get sent students that had behavioral issues. I realized it's because Black male educators are often looked to as disciplinarians rather than education leaders. I'm still actively trying to reverse that perception.