May 16, 2020 Dear Georgia Professional Standards Commission, I am a Black male educator, part of the 2% of black male educators in schools. My story made national headlines as I highlighted why I left school administration to return to the classroom to serve as a special education teacher. It was a hard decision; however, after being put in a…
Tag: teacher quality
School Districts That Empower Teachers Will See Student Success; It’s Really This Simple!
There’s a lot of talk about how we can improve schools, from various turnaround strategies to school choice community partnership programs, but I think one of the most critical areas is the need for professional development in order to empower our teachers. The question brings me back to a quote about failing schools and school turnaround from former Interim APS…
To Teach or Not to Teach?
The 4th Annual Community Impact Assembly challenged Black male educators to really look at why we are teachers. Our goal is not just to provide better educational outcomes for Black boys but all children! In order to increase the retention of Black male teachers, innovation and flexibility must be a standard within school districts. There has to be a balance…
CREATE Teachers Who Make Successful Schools!
As schools get ready for a busy back to school season here in Atlanta, twenty new teacher residents will be joining the classrooms of exemplary teachers across the city to co-teach lessons, learn best practices, and be mentored by some of Atlanta’s best instructors. This is all happening through CREATE. CREATE is a 3-year teacher residency program. This first began…
Making Math Make Sense
“You do not study mathematics because it helps you build a bridge. You study mathematics because it is the poetry of the universe.” Making Math make sense to students is what helps them to perform better. As I’m in the halls with my scholars, I ask them about their grades. They always cringe when they get to Math. I ask them “Is…
Teachers, Here’s How You Can Make These Last Days Before Break Count
The gap between Thanksgiving and winter break can be one of the most challenging stretches in time any teacher experiences. It’s like trekking the Sahara Desert with chapped lips, while only wearing a loose pair of Timberlands; you expose yourself to the same level of vulnerability and dryness and potential catastrophe. In my first year teaching, I barely survived December. I did more revisions…