In this current era, the last thing you would think to see is an elected Democratic touring with an elected Republican. In a state like Indiana that historically has been a red state with the former State Governor now serving as Vice President of the United States, Indiana is the last place you probably thought…
Timing is everything. Twenty-two years ago Brandy appeared as Cinderella. Ten years ago, Disney gave us the first black Princess in Tiana from The Princess and The Frog. A little over a year ago we got Princess Shuri in Black Panther. We all know representation matters, and we want our black girls to see themselves…
This is my fourth summer as a principal, and I have interviewed many teacher candidates. June is what we call hiring season, and there are many teachers currently on the hunt for a job. Some teachers are embarking on their first teaching job search, and some are interviewing for a new school for the first…
Recently, I had the tremendous opportunity to sit on a panel at The University of Indianapolis. The panel was for school leaders to discuss trauma in schools and how we deal with it as principals. I was able to share some of the amazing work we are doing at my school to combat student trauma,…
“And after fire came a gentle whisper”1 Kings 19:12 For the first time in my career, I almost walked away. I was sitting in my office, and it was two days before school was letting out. I had this pit in my stomach. I had so many emotions, and I got to a point where…
I know what many of you are thinking; it’s July. Why should I be worrying about this now? You should worry because school is around the corner. The is the first stop on this journey called the school. Kindergarten, for many of us, was a fun time full of little expectations. This is no longer…
When I look around schools, I wonder whether some teachers have enough social responsibility to be in the classroom in front of this generation’s children. It is amazing how much school has changed since I was in school. The type of teacher I had growing up might not survive in today’s school. I wonder if…
On a personal note, this is an exciting piece to write and share with everyone. It was January 2018 when Ashley Virden and I wanted to do something special in the Dubarry neighborhood. She grew up in the neighborhood that was home to the school I lead. From that mutual passion, we launched Dubarry Determined…
The goal of the school is that students are in a safe, supportive, and focused classroom that allows them the opportunity to learn and grow. This should be the top concern for all stakeholders. There are several different strategies for classroom management and discipline. Typically, the most severe problems usually lead to a suspension. There…
Tuesday night, the public in person and via live stream was able to hear from the three finalists for the Indianapolis Public School Superintendent position. The candidates Devon Horton, Aleesia Johnson, and Larry Young were given fifteen uninterrupted minutes to make their case then for forty-five minutes, they answered questions from the board. This was…