Mom, the TA: A CTD Parent Experiences the Classroom

by Ross Middleton

When Sally Berlin’s daughter, Violet, began taking Center for Talent Development (CTD) classes, Sally soon wanted to become involved too. A recently certified teacher, Sally was looking for opportunities to hone her skills in the classroom when she applied to work with the same array of programs that had helped Violet. “I was a TA for three years at CTD,” Berlin recounts. “My daughter had taken some classes at the Chicago location and I really liked the approach.” This approach to learning resonated with Violet (who took her first CTD class as a first-grade student and is now a fifteen-year-old rising sophomore still taking CTD classes), and it was also valuable to Sally as an educator and parent.

“When I worked at CTD, I put my whole self into helping the teachers plan lessons and assist the class,” Berlin says. “I wanted to make the course exceptional. I did this because I was really excited about the whole experience, partly because my daughter was a student in the program and felt I had a personal stake in it.” As she immersed herself in programs as a teaching assistant, Berlin developed a new appreciation for certain aspects of the CTD experience: the programs’ focus on student safety meant she “never had to worry,” and she found that she (and her daughter) both loved the cafeteria food of CTD’s residential summer program. Sometimes driving her daughter to class in the same building where she worked, made Berlin feel her life as a TA was integrated into her identity as a parent. “I did not separate the two roles. We both looked forward to and enjoyed attending classes at CTD.”

CTD’s wide range of courses has supported Violet’s learning, allowing her to explore a variety of subjects: her transcript includes the art-themed Saturday class, Studying the Visual World; Summer Program courses on Pre-Algebra and ancient Egypt; and, most recently, service-learning experiences with the Civic Leadership Institute. Socially, the programs have provided an inclusive space for Violet and Sally as well. She and her daughter are among the families who benefit from financial aid. “I am a single mom who adopted Violet from China,” Berlin says. “I work as a substitute teacher, so I relied on some financial assistance from CTD.” Additionally, Berlin says her experience as a parent and a TA has revealed CTD’s ethnically “diverse student body,” and she encourages underrepresented populations of all kinds to apply.

“I can honestly say CTD has been one of my daughter’s best experiences growing up,” Berlin reflects, noting that the programs have helped her daughter build confidence and maintain a love for learning. “She consistently ranks at the top of her class,” Berlin says of Violet, noting that she is now two years ahead of her high-school peers. Having seen the positive effects of the programs at home and in the classroom, Berlin now sees the ways CTD supports students academically and socially: her daughter has “always really enjoyed attending” classes and made close friends through the years. “As a CTD parent and TA,” Berlin says, “I know kids love the program. I have seen them form strong bonds with other students who also appreciate being recognized for their academic talent. At CTD, education becomes fun.” 

Ross Middleton is an independent writer and formerly part of CTD’s Summer Program staff. He received his BA in English Literature from Wesleyan University and an MFA in Writing from Sarah Lawrence.