Prompt 2
What fulfills you as an educator of color in today’s schools?
— Sharon Cason
the influence of a great teacher
Brings to mind 2 of my elementary teachers, they were my 6th grade academic teacher and my 6th grade art teacher. They fostered a love of learning in me that I still gravitate toward to this day. Mrs. Bucher was such a loving and caring teacher that wanted to share all that she experienced as a child with her class. They lived locally and she would take the class to her mom’s house for lunch and we would eat and talk and laugh and share (now looking back) time together. It was such an important time in my life, I learned so much from her outside of my home life. Her kindness, and caring nature and how she could make sunshine out of every situation, even when our neighborhood started to change, she talked to the class about that and shared that many teachers including herself may not be back that next year, although I was going on to middle school. What she gave me was something I knew I would want to pass on one day. My Art Teacher, Mr. D was equally amazing, telling me there was nothing that I could not do with a pen, pencil, paint and paper. I believed him.
— Lenora Keel
final well wishes
A final celebration of the hard work and dedication of students of color. A program to recognize an ending and a new beginning both for the students and myself. This was the last student event before my retirement.
— April Washington
extrinsic motivation
Teaching is one of the most undervalued professions. Although there are occasional moments of celebration for educators, such as the Teacher of the Year Celebration, which recognize those who prioritize students above all else, it is important to shed light on their unwavering commitment to their profession. Being on the selection committee for this recognition has been an invaluable experience.
— Jenn Bartley
if you give a child a square
Remember the story, “If you give a mouse a cookie?” The little mouse wanting a cookie unleashed a series of events. Our series of events began with a simple square. I introduced the art of quilting to my 4th graders by incorporating it into my geometry lesson. We partnered with a local museum who donated all of the material for the students to make one square about whose shoulders they stand on in order to be where they are today. The squares were so powerful, we chose to connect them all and create a class community quilt. The quilt was so beautiful, we entered it into the Florida State Fair. The State Fair was so impressed, we won 1st place and best in show! Moments where learning extends beyond the walls of a classroom fulfills me as an educator and my students as well.
— Angela Couch
visiting days
In my current role as a Mentor, I am able to set up Visiting Days for new teachers and teachers that are in need of extra support in an exemplar classroom. Spending a day in another teacher’s classroom is a very beneficial practice. A lot is learned from myself, the visiting teacher, and the host teacher as well.