Arpan Kaul
From Big Tech to Big Ed
After graduating Binghamton University, Arpan Kaul (’20) landed a prestigious job in the high-tech industry. While he was successful, Kaul gradually realized something was missing “I realized I wasn’t impacting people,” said Kaul who came to the US from India with his parents when he was two. “It was a good living, but I had no purpose. I was selling a CEO’s dream."
Kaul quit his job and moved back to his parent’s home in the immigrant-rich neighborhood of Elmhurst. He took a job as a paraprofessional in PS 89Q and gradually had a realization. “This is the neighborhood I grew up in,” recalled Kaul. “These students look like me and I wanted to show these kids that it’s possible to make it in America. There is a plethora of studies that show if you are taught by an educator that looks like you, you are more inclined to succeed.”
Kaul gradually worked his way up to become a student teacher in 2019. “The years flew by,” said Kaul. “I liked the career and the lifestyle. I love working with kids and helping them with their unadulterated curiosity. I want to teach them to take that curiosity with them for the rest of their lives.”
Kaul enrolled in GSE for a Master of Science in Childhood Education and Special Education, 1-6, and finished his coursework in May. With his background in technology, Kaul sees his job as an educator not only to inspire his students but also teach them the basics of digital literacy and how to spot misinformation. Kaul sees the opportunity to become a member of the Holmes Master's cohort as a chance to be able to provide even more to his students.
“The Holmes program provides me access to other scholars and other schools,” said Kaul. “I can see what my students have and what they need.”
