Desmine Goodly always knew he had a gift for helping others, but was ultimately inspired by his sister to pursue a career in education.

“I wasn’t sure what I would pursue my career in until I saw my sister teach,” he said. “Watching my sister teach and how she always had her students engaged made me feel as though I can do it also.”

Goodly said he often felt inclined to serve children. “I always had a passion for helping children and instilling in them that they can do anything in life no matter their upbringing.”

As a Lake Charles native, Goodly attended McNeese State University to earn his bachelor’s in general studies. He then decided to continue his education at Lamar State University. There he received his master’s in administration.

Goodly serves as the K-2nd grade curriculum resource teacher for the Southwest Louisiana Charter Academy. He began his seventh year of teaching in August 2022. Previously, he worked as a third grade co-teacher and teacher.

He has found the most enjoyable aspect of teaching is interacting with students on campus. “It is good to see all the students I have taught come back and talk to me about how much they learned in my class when I was in the classroom.”

Goodly gets to experience these interactions tenfold with his new position.

“Now that I have the opportunity to interact with all K-2 students in my school, it brings me joy to see their smiling faces day to day,” he explained. “As soon as I step into the hallway or the classroom, they all shout my name or want to come give me a hug.”

He derives joy from these exchanges.

“My students help me from day to day by bringing more excitement into my life,” he said. “Seeing their faces light up when they make a connection to the lesson brings a smile to my face because you know just how hard they have been working in the classroom.”

He deeply believes that “every student can achieve at high levels if you set the expectation at the beginning of the school year.”

He said at the start of every school year, he visits the classrooms of the teachers he supports to list the expectation he has for every student. “I explain to the students that my expectations for them in the class are high and that it is up to you whether or not you will rise to the occasion and reach them.”

To Goodly, it is imperative students are taught the impact of their actions.

“I also believe in making students accountable for all of their actions,” he said. “They are responsible for getting everything they need done in the classroom in a timely manner. This belief helps them to be in control of their own learning and will help them in the future. Having this belief-based and goal-driven mindset also shows through my experience as an educator, which is the culture I set for high expectations.”

Educators help mold the children of the world and try to make the students understand we are there to help them to become the best version of themselves.

Goodly wants future teachers to maintain the“growth mindset” and “go get it attitude.” He says that this is important because educators are expected to constantly learn new things to hone their craft.

“Society changes from day to day and so does education. We have to be able to be flexible and test the waters,” he continued. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help because other people might be in the same predicament as you. It takes a special someone to be an educator.”