Ben was inspired to become an educator by his experience leading out-of-school time programs as an undergraduate at the University of Pennsylvania. He was struck by the brilliance of his students and frustrated by the lack of opportunities available to them. After graduating, Ben worked to address this reality as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal. Through building a senior research curriculum as a teacher, he experienced the power of supporting students to be critically conscious in their learning experiences. As a principal and assistant principal, he learned how much students are capable of with the right resources and opportunities. Across all of his work, Ben experienced the dichotomy that defines the US public education in low-income communities - dedicated, insightful educators and students versus an under-resourced, deprioritized education system. As an Ed.L.D. student, Ben is focused on addressing poverty and racism through equitable resource allocation and anti-racist practices.