The releasing of shackles, the breaking of glass ceilings, and the crossing of boundaries come through education. It is through education where one can receive liberation. Today, we celebrate what would have been the 165th birthday of one of the most incredible educators in history, Booker Taliaferro Washington or, as we know him, Booker T….
In 2018, Tindley Summit Academy, where I’m principal, jumped almost ten percentage points in proficiency rates in English/Language Arts and five percentage points in math on ISTEP, a previous Indiana state standardized test. In 2019, the first year of ILEARN, a new state test, we had just 16% of proficient students in English and 21% proficient…
True story; it took me two weeks to write this. I was so worried about leaving someone out. The truth is I know there will be some women I leave out, but it was not intentional. There have been so many supportive women in my life that have looked out for me and helped me…
I have a serious question for educators. It seems like every week on social media there is a story about a teacher somewhere disrespecting, humiliating, or mistreating a child. My question is simple. I want to know if you were at the school and something like this happened, what would you do? It is amazing…
There are times in history when significant events happen. When these events happen, they have a way of sticking with us for the rest of our lives. They create a lasting memory where we never forget them. What makes these events significant is not only do you remember the event, but you also remember where…
Cold weather and snow hit most of the county last week, and here in Indianapolis, various districts had e-learning days. While teachers and schools are giving their best efforts, the education many children receive does not meet the standard needed to ensure they have a chance when they get older. The more I think about…
There are Black children that cannot read this sentence. Are you working to change that? That’s how you make an impact during Black History Month.
I know many Hoosiers can remember when school started after Labor Day. That seems like a distant past because many schools are starting in the last week of July or the first week in August. Rarely do you see schools beginning after the second week in August. However, the Labor Day start date could be…
“We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.” Dr. King As I reflected on the past year since we celebrated Martin Luther King Day 2020, these words stood out to me more than any other. A lot has happened since January 2020, so much that I do not…
What is wrong with the teaching profession? Some would say even with innovation, the achievement gap between students of color and their white counterparts is growing. Also, the teacher force does not reflect the student population in many schools. These are just some of the potential answers to this often-asked question. The fact that we…