"We educate social and political human beings”

Daniela Correa is the Trust Teacher at Cecam in 2022. Her job is to be the link between students and the directors of the school. This is a key element in the political training of our children and young adults.

Daniela Correa has always been interested in political training and democracy. In her school, she was a class representative at the Student Council and a Student Representative. She has a degree in exact sciences, and she currently teaches Mathematics and Biology in German. She has always been available to talk about school participation. So much so, that in 2021, the members of the Student Council (Cecam) asked her to be the Trust Teacher, and she was reelected in 2022.

What does the Trust Teacher do?

Daniela: “First and foremost, it is important to clarify that you have to apply for this role, and students vote for their candidate: after electing Student and class representatives, one of the first things they do is elect various positions inside the Cecam. When these responsibilities are defined, they postulate different teachers for the Trust Teacher position. They do this because of the qualities of the teacher and the affinity that they have with us. We must accompany the Student and class representatives. We also counsel and advise in different scenarios of the School Government. Our role is to give them support when there are difficulties. At the end, we are a link between the students and the School directors”.

“In order to earn that trust, you have to listen, look and observe. Besides, you need to understand that if you were elected, you must respect those who voted for you by being coherent in your actions”.

What does trust mean to you, Daniela?

Daniela: “To talk about personal matters or group topics, so that among everyone, we can find solutions to situations that can generate conflict. Trust encompasses responsibility, respect for our students, their opinions and the way they see different situations. Trust is honesty and support”.

How to address political participation from a school age?

Daniela: “At DSM, students understand that they are political and social human beings who evolve arount different ways of thinking. In every school subject, and from spaces such as Cecam or the UN Model, we work towards critical thinking. These spaces are in turn, scenarios that empower students. All of this generates political maturity as they grow. During this process, we educate leaders who know their qualities and their weaknesses”.

How is democracy built upon trust?

Daniela: “This is a key topic when making decisions. Student and class representatives were elected in a democratic process, but democracy is not only about knowing how to choose, but about being fair and equitative. Decisions are made from trust and respect. This implies trusting that the person who is going to represent me, makes the correct decisions. In order to earn that trust, you have to listen, watch and observe. Besides, you need to understand that, if you were elected, you must respect those people who voted for you by being coherent in your actions. That is how you build a collective democracy”.

How do you create a trustworthy leader?

Daniela: “It is a person who must be coherent in their actions. They are autonomous, they know how to make decisions that are good for the group, they favor dialogue and they always know that there is responsibility in what they say and what they take to the participation instances”.