Recently, I attended a baby shower which brought to the forefront of my mind how easily we forget the importance of making sure students see themselves and people who do not look like them in their school’s curriculum throughout the school year. The baby shower I attended had a book theme. Guests were asked to…
As we close out the month of February and the celebration of Black History Month, I want to celebrate the list of my favorite blacks. This list includes individuals from a variety of fields from politics, education, sports, and movies. These are the people who spearheaded the movement of black excellence and those that have…
Since the departure of Dr. Lewis Ferebee to Washington, D.C. public schools, Indianapolis Public Schools has been contemplating who will take his place. Aleesia Johnson has filled the role on an interim basis; however, IPS is now ready to find a permanent solution and they want help. Indianapolis Public Schools is turning to the public…
Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos is no stranger to being in the crossfire of Democrats. Typically, it’s because of her views or a controversial statement she said. But today, the conflict is a little more serious. Democrats are now claiming that DeVos is attempting to kill an investigation into her department. House and Senate…
Although this is my 13th year as an educator, this is my first year as a school librarian. Most people say this is a perfect job for me since I’m an avid reader. When I was an English teacher, I did a good job of promoting literacy and a love of reading. One school year,…
As reported by NBC News, “a sixth-grader in Florida was arrested after his refusal to participate in the Pledge of Allegiance escalated into a confrontation with police and school officials, authorities said.” Unfortunately, we are having the wrong conversation about this incident. Many people are arguing about the student refusing to stand for the Pledge…
A story from West Virginia made my blood boil. Children, who were in a special education class, were mistreated by the educators that were supposed to care for them. School went from a haven to a place of terror. A mother of one of the students became concerned when her child did not want to…
I love being black, and I’m glad we have Black History Month. When Black History Month ends, it seems that our history goes off to collect dust until next February. I have observed fabulous lessons, projects, and school programs to support black history during February, but that’s not good enough. As a mother of…
Educating children is hard enough on its own, but it’s even harder when you teach in a high needs environment. Inner city teachers and administrators often complain about the obstacles and needs of their students and with good reason. Usually, those conversations go one of two directions: accepting that students will never have all of…
Teacher compensation has been a hot topic button across the country. In some states, teachers have even gone on strike leaving parents to scramble to find childcare while teachers fought for higher compensation and better benefits. Early in my studies as an education major, a professor said, “Teachers are in this profession for the outcome…