TeachingInColor FINAL DIGITALPages - Flipbook - Page 10
which is another reductive stereotype that black educators
What does your dream classroom look like?
encounter. Lastly, working in educational systems that are
My dream classroom would look like equality, respect,
statistically centered around schools that are predominantly
compassion, genuine relationships from teacher to teacher,
minority, most which are located in central cities and funded
teacher to student, and student to student. Developmentally
well below those in neighboring suburban districts.
appropriate materials, lessons, enough space for children
Some ways I have overcome and still strive to
to express themselves, hands on learning opportunities,
overcome most of these obstacles is by accepting
new and improved furniture, Covid-ready, sanitization
roles throughout the school that will allow my voice and
stations, automatic soap dispensers, toilets, tissue
experiences to be heard. Serving as a member of Positive
dispensers, and paper towel dispensers, More than one or
Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), which is
two teachers in every classroom. Three diverse teachers
a three-tiered framework to
in the classroom. More diverse
improve and integrate all of the
staff period. Free and nutritious
data, systems, and practices
breakfasts, lunches and snacks
affecting student outcomes every
for students and educators each
day. I also advocate for every
day. Social/ emotional special
student, especially those of color,
classes, technology classes, safer
in grade level meetings and
playgrounds, diverse materials,
interventions. I also take the time
books. Smaller classroom sizes,
to tutor students of color who
and a schedule that allows
need extra help in grade level
teachers and students a chance
subjects.
to take a 30 minute mental health
Doing the footwork by
break each day.
allowing myself to be put in
rooms where decisions are being
What do you consider the
made regarding educational
value/impact of having a
systems is how I feel empowered
teacher of color?
as a teacher of color.
Black educators are assets. The
value and impact of a Black
What is some advice you
Educator consists of many things
receive that has helped you in
including; helping boost students’
your teaching career?
academic outcomes, reduce
Some of the best advice I
suspensions, raise expectations,
have received working in education has been to “do the
and even help recruit more black educators.
work, and the work that I do will always speak for itself."
As a Black teacher who enters a school building,
This advice was given from my mom who is also a black
almost every day, black students are able to see a mirror
educator and has been so for 30 years. My mother taught
reflecting their own experiences and perspectives, and a
me that my work will never be in vain when it is work from
window into their future. I feel very fortunate to be a mirror
the heart.
before these students each day at school. This is the type
Also my father studying, and working in business
management was also golden as well. My father’s advice
of reward that is invisible to the eye, but felt deeply in the
hearts of those it applies to.
was: “Keep God first in everything you do, and everything
will work together for your good.” He also used to advise
What is one thing you would tell an aspiring teacher
that I “show up 10-15 minutes early,” “study,” and “finish what
of color?
you start.” It has all been valuable advice to me. He is my
I would tell them that they matter and they are important
Angel and may he continue to rest in peace.
and that the world needs them, and the children need them
more.
