Halee SikorskiOct 30, 2024 • 7 min read
How a Rhode Island Teacher is Transforming Special Education with Athlete Mentors
Meet Samantha Goldman. A dedicated special education teacher from Rhode Island inspiring young minds since 2011. For the last five years, she's been working with Classroom Champions and instilling a Champion Mindset in her students that extends far beyond school.
Meet Samantha Goldman. A dedicated special education teacher from Rhode Island, Samantha has been inspiring young minds since 2011.For the last five years, she's been working with Classroom Champions, a program that empowers K-12 students to excel and reach their potential by bringing world-class Athlete Mentors into classrooms, equipping educators to foster resilience, confidence, and leadership, and inspiring a champion mentality that extends far beyond school. This collaboration has made a big difference, not just for Samantha's teaching methods, but for her students' confidence and resilience.
The Power of Support
Samantha’s journey with Classroom Champions started with the support of a forward-thinking principal in Pawtucket who saw the program’s potential to engage and motivate students. She quickly embraced the curriculum, sharing her classroom's progress on social media. As a result, she was able to connect with different Olympians, Paralympians, and Athlete Mentors virtually.When Olympian Christian Taylor reposted a tweet featuring her students’ work, it was an exciting moment that highlighted the recognition her students were receiving. It continued to gain traction and attention from other Olympians and Paralympians around the world. Classroom Champions has been an ideal fit for Samantha’s students. Athlete Mentor stories resonate in ways that other programs can’t match, providing role models who help students see that everyone faces challenges—and that perseverance pays off.
Building Resilience Through Athlete Mentors
For Samantha's students, seeing world-class athletes struggle with their own difficulties provides a powerful lesson in perseverance. Samantha’s students have learned to see their own struggles differently thanks to interactions with Athlete Mentors.Samantha's students on a live video chat with Paralympian and Athlete Mentor Jack Wallace.
During a live chat, Paralympian and Athlete Mentor, Jack Wallace, shared his experience of dealing with a malfunctioning prosthetic leg. Seeing a professional athlete talk openly about his struggles was a powerful moment for her students. It helped them understand that everyone, even top athletes, faces difficulties and setbacks.These personal stories have been invaluable. They help students realize that having a bad day is okay, and resilience is about pushing through challenges—something Samantha’s students carry with them every day.
Samantha’s students after a Mentorship LIVE Zoom with Olympic Hopeful Mallory Tse.
Beyond the direct interactions with athletes, Samantha appreciates the genuine care and engagement of the Classroom Champions Athlete Mentors. Classroom Champions mentors consistently show up - whether it's recording a reading for her class, participating in live Zoom chats to support kids in real time, or simply being present for her students.
I feel like the athletes that we have that are part of Classroom Champions really care about these kids. They’re not just doing this for publicity.
Creating Lasting Connections
One of the most impactful aspects of Classroom Champions is the lasting relationships formed between Athlete Mentors and students. These aren’t fleeting moments of interaction; they form a deeper connection that lingers long after a live chat or video lesson. Samantha recalls how Olympic gold medalist Christian Taylor took the time to read a story to her kindergarten class multiple times, ensuring every student felt included and valued.This sense of community goes beyond what other programs might offer. Classroom Champions isn’t just transactional—it’s based on real relationships, with athletes actively engaging and connecting with students.
These relationships, Samantha notes, are often what students need most when they feel isolated or face unique challenges. Knowing that someone outside of their immediate world cares about them can be transformative. Samantha has seen shy students become more vocal and engaged, and even non-verbal students find ways to communicate.
Student develops confidence after speaking to their Athlete Mentor
Samantha has witnessed firsthand the transformative power that mentorship has on her students. She also shared the story of a shy student who, through her involvement in Classroom Champions, found the courage to participate in live video chats and classroom discussions. That initial spark of confidence grew over time, leading the student to become more vocal and engaged across all areas of learning.
Student transforms from non-verbal to a confident speaker
But the impact didn’t stop there. Another student, who was previously non-verbal, began communicating through the program. During Classroom Champions sessions, the student started to say the word “champions”—a small but significant breakthrough. These moments are what make the program so special, seeing the students connect with something bigger than themselves.Empowering Teachers and Students Alike
Classroom Champions isn’t just about student growth; it’s also been a lifeline for Samantha as an educator. She feels more confident and more supported - remarking that this program makes you feel like you're not alone in the challenges you face as a teacher.
I love that I have these other teachers I can go to for support and it’s not just someone from my school.
The support from other teachers within the Classroom Champions community, as well as the athletes, has helped her overcome the isolation that can sometimes come with teaching special education. This support has boosted her confidence and validated her teaching practices.
Feel Seen with Classroom Champions
Samantha also appreciates the recognition and validation that Classroom Champions offers.Through reposting, or just liking something or commenting, it’s like a little extra boost of confidence. I'm like, oh, I am doing the right things. I am doing it correctly. And I'm being acknowledged that I am doing something right.
Special education, in particular, often lacks the recognition it deserves, but through Classroom Champions, Samantha feels seen—not only by her students and peers, but by the athletes and entire team at Classroom Champions who genuinely care about her and her class.
Joining the Classroom Champions Family
For any teacher considering joining Classroom Champions, Samantha has one piece of advice: go for it. The support and community found within Classroom Champions is well worth the leap.
Classroom Champions is more than just a program. It’s a community where teachers support teachers, athletes support teachers and students, and everyone is there to help you. The hardest part is joining, but once you’re here, you won’t want to leave.
Samantha’s journey shows how powerful mentorship and community can be. Her classroom is now a place where students feel empowered to grow, learn, and express themselves, with the support of both their teacher and Athlete Mentors. Looking ahead, Samantha is eager to keep building these connections and is excited to see her students continue to thrive, all thanks to the ongoing support from Classroom Champions.
