Teaching to Develop a New Generation of Thinkers

As the NAF Academy Director and Magnet and Dual Credit Coordinator at Skyline High School in Dallas, Texas, Darion Walton takes advantage of every opportunity to make an impact.

His interest in pursuing a career in education first stemmed from his desire to make a positive difference in the lives of young people. Grateful for the values and education he received growing up, Darion is passionate about sharing his knowledge and experiences with the next generation of learners. As a teacher, he can “pay back” while fulfilling his own goal of enhancing the education system.

“I want to be a teacher known for developing a new generation of thinking individuals,” he said.

In just 2 short years of being involved with NAF, Darion has also worked to better himself by taking part in trainings and external opportunities that allow him to continue to provide the most relevant experiences for his students in this ever-changing world.

Through Skyline’s participation with the Lenovo School Network, students have gained the 21st century technology-skills they will need for the jobs of tomorrow. Additionally, through their teamwork and processes for developing apps, students are encouraged to look past their current situations and focus on the larger social issues around the globe and come up with practical solutions.

“NAF has opened the door to opportunities that some teachers with 20 plus years have not experienced. NAF has allowed me to travel to multiple states and meet many amazing people,” he said. “Through the Lenovo Scholar Network and partnership with MIT App Inventor, I had the opportunity to become an MIT Master Trainer and even traveled to Cambridge, MA to complete my program. The overall experience was phenomenal.”

As an MIT Master Trainer, Darion also gives back by instructing other students, teachers, and staff members on the important impact that app development and computer science skills will have for the future of the workforce.

He also participated in a Capital One externship that allowed him to apply his classroom teaching to the corporate world and have leaders in business understand what today’s students are learning and what support they need.

Darion added, “As a NAF teacher, I am most grateful for the support and opportunities that have allowed me to bring real-world experiences into the classroom. Students who may have never had the opportunity to purchase a phone from Verizon had the ability to work at Verizon, Topgolf, Capital One…the list goes on. As a new teacher with former experience in corporate America, it was remarkable to see a curriculum that aligned with the current landscape.”

When it comes to envisioning the best possible future for his students, Darion wishes that they never forget how powerful they truly are and never underestimate their ability to make a difference.

“They have the potential to enhance, not only their own lives, but the lives of others, as they find their own unique paths in a world that tries to make them fit a standard,” he said. “NAF was created with every student in mind.”