Ozalle Toms: Diversity advocate, passionate teacher
October 03, 2015
When Ozalle Toms learned that some of her college students were competing in a baseball tournament in Florida over spring break at the same time she was vacationing in Orlando, there was no question she would go watch them play.
After all, it was a chance to practice what she so fervently teaches in the classroom.
"My students need to know I care about them — that what happens to them academically and in their personal lives matters to me. I tell my future teachers that you can teach kids everything you know about math and English — cover the content from front to back — but if they don't think you care about them, you've lost them," Toms said.
Now in her fourth year at UW-Whitewater, Toms is an assistant professor in the College of Education and Professional Studies. From social work to psychology and from dozens of other academic disciplines, students flock to her courses in special education.
Known affectionately as "Dr. Oz," she is an award-winning teacher and diversity advocate who is helping prepare the next generation teachers to effectively teach and work with students and families who come from diverse backgrounds. She deftly infuses culturally responsive lessons into her classes, providing them with real-world scenarios they will face as soon-to-be teachers.
"Getting to know your students is really important," Toms said. "You become more than an educator. You become a confidante."
In a recent lecture, Toms talked about her experience as a high school teacher and how she abandoned her lesson plans for the week when a student's death prompted much-needed discussion and catharsis.
"We needed to talk about what happened," she said. "Emotional trauma, suicide, death — when tragedies occur, teachers have to be prepared to provide what's needed at that moment."
Toms is particularly proud of the UW-Whitewater Learning Community she advises, Together We Teach — a tight-knit group of freshmen who live in the same residence hall and take some classes together, navigating their way through their first year of college.
Whether it's a cookout at Knilans Hall or a study session during a Green Bay Packers game, Toms recognizes the power of out-of-the classroom moments — those times that can create bonds and foster lessons that further the student experience.
Aside from teaching, Toms is actively engaged in education and diversity efforts across campus and in the community. From helping to write the university's diversity rubric to serving on the chancellor search committee, Toms has been called to serve in critical roles and share her expertise. She's currently conducting research on mentoring strategies for at-risk youth.
On Oct. 9, the University of Wisconsin System will recognize Toms as one of this year's winners of the Outstanding Women of Color in Education Award. She credits her incredible colleagues and the innate sense of family at UW-Whitewater for helping her flourish.
"I've found my niche," she said. "Here, I can be who I am and make a positive difference."