Philip's Academy Charter School, Inc.’s Post

Please check out this reflection on three incredible women who shaped my education and career!!

Calling All Aspiring, Current, and Retired Black Superintendents! As you all know, I am now an Assistant Professor at Howard University's School of Education. My NEW research is on the brink of pioneering one of the most significant research studies in the field of education, focusing on the pivotal roles of Black Superintendents and their instrumental impact on dismantling systemic racism within our schools. This groundbreaking study, titled “The Unspoken Truth of the Black Superintendent in America: Examining the Impact Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Antiracism Efforts Have on the Lives of Black School Superintendents,” aims to shed light on the experiences, challenges, and triumphs of Black Superintendents in leading our educational institutions towards a more equitable and just future. Why Your Participation Matters? Your unique experiences and insights are invaluable to understanding the full spectrum of diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism efforts within the educational leadership landscape. By participating, you’ll be contributing to a powerful narrative that could shape the future of how schools across America address systemic racism and foster environments where every student can thrive. Who Can Participate? • Aspiring Black Superintendents who are preparing to lead and make a difference. • Current Black Superintendents who are navigating the complexities of their roles while striving to implement systemic change. • Retired Black Superintendents who have wisdom and experiences that can illuminate the path forward. How to Participate? If you’re ready to add your voice to this pivotal research study and make an impact that could resonate for generations, we invite you to sign up and be a part of this historic undertaking. Your participation could be the catalyst for transformative change in dismantling systemic barriers to diversity, equity, inclusion and antiracism in education. Please click below to express your interest in participating or to learn more about the study. Together, we can create a legacy of leadership that champions diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism in our educational systems. (NOTE: Your participation is confidential and names will not be shared publicly!) Let’s unite to tell the unspoken truth of the Black Superintendent and pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future in education. #BlackSuperintendents #EducationEquity #DiversityInLeadership #SystemicChange

As we celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black innovators in education, we asked Dr. TJ McCray, Deputy Superintendent for Madison Metropolitan School District in Wisconsin, how to highlight their contributions to education. "Black pioneers like Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington were instrumental in advocating for education for African Americans during the 19th and early 20th centuries. They established schools and colleges to provide educational opportunities for Black individuals. Leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks fought for equal access to education for all races, leading to landmark desegregation rulings like Brown v. Board of Education. Today, Black educators continue to make strides in education, becoming teachers, professors, administrators, and researchers who contribute to the advancement of educational practices and policies. Black inventors have made significant contributions to technology. For example, Garrett Morgan invented the traffic signal, paving the way for modern traffic management systems. Lewis Latimer was key in developing the light bulb, working closely with Thomas Edison. Black pioneers have excelled in various STEM fields, contributing to innovation and technological advancements. Figures like Katherine Johnson, who worked for NASA and calculated trajectories for the Apollo missions, have made significant impacts." To ensure that the achievements of Black innovators and educators are recognized and celebrated, he says we must "advocate for policies and initiatives that support innovation in education and recognize the importance of innovative educators. Engage with policymakers and stakeholders to raise awareness about the impact of innovation on learning outcomes." #ISTEcommunity

Black students need Black educators. Our corps members remind us why representation matters in the classroom, and of the power of a teacher who understands your experiences and can model what’s possible. To kick off #BlackHistoryMonth, we’re honoring the Black educators who invest in our students and advocate for their success. Check out this video by Teach For America on why representation matters. We are so proud to see Teach For America North Carolina's very own Drew Strong (CPT '23) share his reflections in this video!  #onedaync #teachforamerica #blackeducators

This Black History Month, and always, we are reinvigorated in our efforts to ensure every classroom is led by a representative educator. Research shows that having a Black teacher, in particular, overwhelmingly impacts the educational trajectory of students. According to findings reported by the The Brookings Institution, “Black students who have one Black teacher by third grade are 7% more likely to graduate high school and 13% more likely to enroll in college. After having two Black teachers, Black students’ likelihood of enrolling in college increases by 32%.” Please join us in honoring and celebrating Black educators of yesterday, today and tomorrow, and committing to actively build a strong pipeline of Black educators in every community. Today, we celebrate and honor Reach University’s Dean of Undergraduate Studies, Kimberly Eckert, as she shares why she teaches and leads a diverse and representative faculty of educators at Reach and throughout Louisiana. https://lnkd.in/gxDSZbnC #ThereIsPowerInTeaching #BeATeacher #Equity #HigherEd #K12

**THE AUDACITY OF GREATNESS** Completely co-sign and deeply appreciate Lee Jasper's words here. For context: I have maintained involvement in EYLA for twenty years. I served as a trustee for nine years until 2013; since then I have worked with Ray on EYLA's ongoing evolution and strategic development. Most recently (like this calendar year) this involved exploring with Ray and the EYLA board how to build on the lessons from the COVID pandemic to make online education a more significant element of EYLA's delivery. So I know EYLA well. I last saw Ray on Saturday 23rd March at a pre-retirement gathering of Young Leaders and parents. None of us knew that he would not survive another weekend. I got the news of his passing last Saturday whilst abroad. With travelling back and then moving house I have barely had time to process it all. So I will save lengthier thoughts for another time. To echo Lee: EYLA has had unparalled reach and impact over its lifetime. I have seen an evolution from a supplementary-school operation, to partnering with schools on classroom delivery, to brokering scholarships to elite boarding schools for young people with the talent to benefit. Hundreds have now been through the Scholars programme. An example of promise fulfilled: one of the earliest graduates from the Scholars programme is now the Chair of EYLA's Board of Trustees. This and so much more has happened because Ray had the audacity to be great. He had the audacity to expect greatness from the first group of black boys EYLA worked with at the beginning and from all the boys (and now girls) who have followed them since. He held them and himself to high standards, in ways that many had never encountered before. That challenges them; it challenges some of us too. He had the audacity to convey that greatness to people who ordinarily would be nowhere near supporting the cause of black boys' education - politicians, high net worth individuals, corporate hot-shots. As many have commented, the politics have been 'interesting', but not (IMO) for the reasons that many might think. Now is not the time for that. Alongside all of that, just one personal reflection I will offer: when I came out of hospital following a heart attack ten years ago, the people waiting for me to take me home were Ray and EYLA's co-founder Anne Collard. That is just one measure of who Ray was (and is) to me. To echo Garvey's words, we should not fear death, it is but a change as we are still in the universe. Ray has left his indelible mark. I am honoured to call him colleague, friend, and brother, and will mourn his loss like few I have known. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and immediate family, the EYLA community of Young Leaders, parents, staff, and supporters, and the wider fraternity of Young Leaders Academies who have taken their inspiration from EYLA and from Ray. We have lost a public figure, a private man, and a giant who walked among us. We are blessed with his memory.

The 2023 Black Men in Education Convening inspired some incredible conversations: 🔬 STEM Advancements: Exploring opportunities to amplify representation and excellence in STEM education. 🌐 Leadership and Policy Making: Empowering Black educators to influence policies and shape the future of education. 📋 Physical, Mental, and Social-Emotional Health: Prioritizing holistic well-being for both educators and students. And so much more! But just because the event is over doesn't mean the conversation stops. Supporting Black educators is crucial to student success.

🌟 Spotlighting Craig DeLuz, President of the Robla School District Board of Education, for Black History Month! 🌟 Meet Trustee DeLuz, who has served as President of the Robla School District Board of Education for 20 years! Why do you cherish your heritage? "I believe that pride in one's race should not merely be derived from superficial traits like skin color, but rather from the profound history, vibrant cultures, and enduring resilience of a people. As a Black individual, I take immense pride in contributing to the legacy of my ancestors, who have triumphed over numerous challenges and continue to flourish despite adversity. Our collective strength, ingenuity, and indomitable spirit are wellsprings of boundless pride, impervious to the corrosive effects of prejudice or ignorance." What are your favorite foods, traditions, and celebrations? "Neck bones and collard greens hold a special place in my heart, not because there aren't other delectable dishes, but because none have quite matched the flavor of those my mother prepared." What do you love about the Robla community? "We aren't just a community; we're a family—the Robla Family." How do you express or honor your heritage in your professional endeavors? "I honor my heritage by striving to excel every day. As I build upon the foundation laid by those who came before me, I aim to provide a sturdy platform for those who will follow in my footsteps." Let's celebrate Craig's legacy and the ongoing impact of Black leaders like him, not just in February, but every day. 🌟 #BlackHistoryMonth #InspiringLeadership

Black students need Black educators. Our corps members remind us why representation matters in the classroom, and of the power of a teacher who understands your experiences and can model what’s possible. To kick off #BlackHistoryMonth, we’re honoring the Black educators who invest in our students and advocate for their success. #teachforamerica #blackeducators Teach For America