BEING THE BLACK MALE EDUCATOR THAT STUDENTS WISH THEY HAD AND KNOW THEY NEED
Teaching is one of my greatest gifts. Seeing my mother’s life’s work as a teacher in Dekalb County created my blueprint for what the life of a “game-changer” looks like, and the many influential teachers I experienced during my time in Atlanta Public Schools helped me to nurture my own gifts along the way.
I DIDN’T REALIZE THE IMPACT OF HAVING BLACK MALE TEACHERS THEN, BUT I DO NOW.
I attribute my love for teaching to the influence of my first Black male educators: Mr. Gordon from F. L. Stanton Elementary School in Atlanta and my father. I didn’t realize the impact of having Black male teachers then, but I do now. They taught me invaluable life lessons that I not only use to this day, but I also incorporate them into my teaching. One important lesson they taught me was to know our history and to apply it.
Today, I’m able to incorporate Black history, Atlanta’s history and world history into my lessons—a skill that has helped me to connect people and to connect with people.
TEACHING HAS NEVER BEEN JUST A JOB FOR ME
As a Black male educator, I don’t just get to talk about it; I have to be about it. Every day I have an opportunity to shift the narrative on how Black boys—who will grow into productive citizens like me—are accepted, treated, perceived and depicted in the world.
Black boys often show some of the highest levels of deficiency in areas CONTINUE READING: Being The Black Male Educator That Students Wish They Had And Know They Need - Philly's 7th Ward