Izzy Lapidus

Student Ambassador

Responsibilities:
In my role as Student Ambassador, my responsibilities are varied! I represent Bank Street at admissions events, support communications and content generation, serve as a point of contact for graduate students, and help with the development of community building and belonging initiatives within the Graduate school.

Why Bank Street:
When I learned that Bank Street was the gold standard for progressive education, I knew it was the place for me. Throughout courses and programming, there is an emphasis on equity, social justice, advocacy, inclusivity, and using education as a means for driving social change. Our curriculum is expansive, critically examining the role that race, class, language, culture, ability, and access play in education. I love the quote from Bank Street founder Lucy Sprague Mitchell, “we see in education the opportunity to build a better society.” Bank Street has already played such an important role in my development as a learning facilitator, helping me feel more confident, knowledgeable, and prepared to meet students where they are and support their growth.

Favorite Local Spot:
Qahwah House! It has been my favorite spot in the neighborhood since it opened. It is a great atmosphere for getting work done or having tea with friends.

Experience:
I am a graduate student pursuing an MSEd in Childhood Special and General Education (Dual Certification, Grades 1-6) and an early career educator with a background in experiential learning, interdisciplinary curriculum design, and responsive teaching. I earned my undergraduate degree from Barnard College of Columbia University, where I graduated in May 2024 with a self-created major in Computing, Design, and Pedagogy. At Barnard, I also served as a Barnard Student Admissions Representative for 2.5 years. In this role, I led campus tours, engaged with prospective students, and regularly created social media content for the Office of Admissions, offering an inside look into campus life. Currently, I work as a 2nd grade teaching assistant at a public school in Brooklyn.