My Journey at PAVE Academy

By Becky Marder

Education has always been more than just a career for me—it’s a calling. For as long as I can remember, I have loved teaching and learning. Now, for the last six years, I’ve had the privilege of working at PAVE Academy where my journey has taken me from teaching first grade to kindergarten, and now to my current role as K-2 Academic Dean. Through each phase, my passion for fostering academic growth, emotional resilience, and a love for learning has only deepened.

Discovering My Passion for Education

Growing up, I was inspired by teachers who believed in me and pushed me to reach my full potential. I knew from a young age that I wanted to be the kind of educator who could inspire that same sense of possibility in others. You can ask my sister – I used to force her to play endless hours of “school” with me! When I joined PAVE Academy as a first-grade teacher, I quickly realized that teaching wasn’t just about delivering lessons—it was about creating an environment where children could thrive both academically and emotionally.

Every year, from Swarthmore Phoenix to Juicy Oranges, each student brought a set of strengths to the classroom, and my job was to help them recognize and build upon those strengths. I learned that success in the classroom often isn’t just about what students learn academically; it’s about creating an environment that supports their emotional growth and resilience. Every breakthrough, no matter how small, reminded me why I became an educator in the first place.

Transitioning from First Grade to Kindergarten

After several years teaching first grade, I transitioned to teaching kindergarten. The shift came with its own set of challenges, but it also deepened my understanding of the importance of early education. Kindergarten is a time of significant growth—both academically and socially—and it was during this period that I truly grasped the significance of laying a strong foundation.

As a Syracuse Juicy Orange, I focused not only on teaching basic academic skills like reading and math but also on helping students navigate their emotions and build social skills. For many children, school is the first place they learn how to interact with their peers, manage frustrations, and follow routines. The emotional growth that happens in those early years is just as critical as the academic development, and I learned the importance of creating a safe, nurturing space for children to explore their world and their feelings.

What I also learned during my time in kindergarten was the crucial role of family engagement. Parents and caregivers play an essential part in a child’s educational journey, and building strong partnerships with families helped us meet the needs of our students more effectively. Whether through regular communication, parent-teacher conferences, or workshops, I learned how vital it is to make families feel connected to the school community.

Moving into Leadership: Becoming an Academic Dean

As I gained experience, I was given the opportunity to take on more leadership roles, and this year I transitioned into the position of K-2 Academic Dean. This role was a significant shift for me, moving from direct classroom teaching to supporting the broader school community. Now, my focus is on helping teachers develop and implement a curriculum that is both rigorous and culturally relevant while ensuring all students have the resources they need to succeed.

Becoming an Academic Dean has been an incredibly fulfilling challenge. In this role, I have the opportunity to mentor teachers, lead professional development, and advocate for school-wide policies that promote our PAVE Core Values. I’ve also had the chance to shape school-wide initiatives aimed at improving student outcomes, including creating systems to address achievement gaps and promote a positive school culture. The shift from teaching individual students to supporting an entire school community has been eye-opening. I’ve learned that a thriving school is built on collaboration, where teachers, staff, and leadership work together to meet the needs of every child.

The Importance of Relationships

Throughout my time at PAVE Academy, one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the power of relationships. Whether as a teacher or now in my leadership role, the relationships I’ve built with students, families, and colleagues have been at the core of my work. Education is about much more than just content—it’s about connection. Students thrive when they feel seen, heard, and supported, and this applies to teachers as well.

At PAVE Academy, we’ve worked hard to create a culture where relationships matter. As an Academic Dean, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with teachers, offering support and guidance as they navigate the complexities of their classrooms. When educators feel supported and empowered, they can provide better learning experiences for their students. The same goes for families: when parents and caregivers feel involved and heard, their children benefit from that connection.

Looking Ahead

My journey at PAVE Academy is far from over. As I continue in my role as Academic Dean, I’m excited about the future of education and the role PAVE Academy will play in shaping the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and change-makers. I’m passionate about ensuring that all students, regardless of where they start, have access to a high-quality education that sets them up for success.

Education is a dynamic, ever-evolving field, and I’m committed to continuously growing, learning, and adapting to meet the needs of our students and educators. The work I do is grounded in the belief that education has the power to transform lives, and every student deserves the opportunity to succeed.

Ultimately, it all comes down to one simple truth: a belief in the transformative power of education. That’s why I show up every day—whether in the classroom or in my leadership role—ready to give my best for the students of PAVE Academy and for the future of education.