Staff Spotlight: Brenda Townsend

At iACT, we have great appreciation for the wonderful staff who make our service work possible! In this Staff Spotlight iLEARN teacher Brenda Townsend tells us a little more about herself.

Brenda Townsend

Q: Where are you from?

A: I’m from Everywhere and Nowhere– I am an Army Brat.

How long have you been in Austin?

45 years, my father retired in Killeen. I headed for Austin the day I graduated high school.

What do you do at iACT?

I am facilitating iLEARN, a 1 month summer enrichment program for refugee students in middle or high school.

What’s the most challenging thing about the work you do at iACT?

Because we are cocooning for COVID, the most challenging part of teaching on zoom is student engagement. Kids are still kids, and with remote learning, if they are not interested, they can simply close ZOOM and go to youtube!

What’s the most rewarding thing about the work you do at iACT?

Seeing students develop their voices: without language, they have no voice, no power. In addition, they may not be confident, or realize their own worth even using their own languages. Building their level of power to navigate American society through reading, writing, speaking, listening and confidence will enable them to achieve their goals.

Why would you encourage others to support the work of iACT?

iACT is not only making the world a better place, but it makes your own life better. With every interaction, you become more worldly, more tolerant, and put simply, happier.

Thanks so much for sharing your story with us, Brenda!