Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Day with When We All Vote. Today and every day, we celebrate the dedication and impact of teachers everywhere.

This Teacher Appreciation Day, When We All Vote proudly celebrates My School Votes' amazing educators who are shaping tomorrow's future leaders. Today, we shine a spotlight on Mr. Padraic Mullin, a passionate Social Studies and English Language Arts teacher at Renaissance High School in Detroit, Michigan. His dedication to his students inspires us all to strive for positive change every single day.

Do you know an educator (including yourself!) who is committed to civic engagement? Encourage them to join the My School Votes Educator Ambassador Program TODAY!

Q: What inspired you to become an educator, and why is it essential for this work to be done in your community?

A: After high school, I enrolled in college, following the expected path. Simultaneously, I was deeply involved in coaching youth hockey and absolutely loved it. Working with those kids, teaching them skills and life lessons while having a blast, felt like the perfect fit for me. It was a blend of worlds — my mom was a dedicated educator for 35 years, so education was always part of my life. This mix of coaching and education seemed to click, guiding some of my later career choices.

READ MR. MULLIN'S STORY HERE

''I'm deeply rooted in Detroit—I work, live, and play here, loving the urban vibe that keeps me grounded and accountable. The students here are incredibly sharp and motivated, making teaching a joy as I share my vulnerability and inspire them to lead and engage with their community.''

Q: How has your life personally been impacted by voting? Does a specific moment stand out to you?

A: Back in the 80's, as a college student, I vividly remember Reverend Jesse Jackson visiting our Wayne State campus in Detroit. During a significant voter registration push, I was shocked at how convoluted and unnecessarily complicated the process was to register to vote. It became clear to me as I got more involved in community and local politics that this was by design, and it reflected systemic racism and economic bias, which was disheartening to witness.

READ MR. MULLIN'S STORY HERE

Q: What’s the most rewarding part about being an educator?

A: For selfish reasons, working with students makes me youthful and eager to learn. They've taught me patience and the value of being a good listener. On the flip side, I have valuable life lessons to offer, which I share through teaching English Language Arts and Social Studies, the subjects in which I specialize.

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