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Tag: Black educators

  • Black Teacher Appreciation Day: A Legacy of Freedom

    Education is inextricably linked to freedom – that powerful philosophy, championed by historian and educator Carter G. Woodson, lies at the heart of this year’s Black Teacher Appreciation Day. Falling during the national Teacher Appreciation Week, this special day shines a spotlight on the profound and lasting impact of Black educators across the country.

    Celebrating Resistance and Joy Through Teaching

    This year, Black Teacher Appreciation Day, observed on May 7th, coincides with the 100th anniversary of Black History Month. The theme, “Black Resistance and Joy: Celebrating Black Educators and Teaching as a Practice of Freedom,” honors Woodson’s enduring legacy. As Micia Mosely, Ph.D., founder of the Black Teacher Project, stated, Black educators are not just instructors; they are leaders who foster belonging and create inclusive learning environments.

    This celebration is particularly vital given the current climate. Black teachers remain significantly underrepresented in classrooms nationwide, even as discussions around Black history, Critical Race Theory, and DEI initiatives face increasing challenges. Research consistently shows the positive impact of Black teachers, with Black students being 38% more likely to feel a sense of belonging in school when they have at least one Black educator.

    A Legacy of Loss and Resilience

    The journey of Black educators has been marked by both resilience and systemic barriers. Following the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision in 1954, which declared school segregation unconstitutional, thousands of Black teachers lost their jobs as Black schools were closed and integrated schools often refused to hire them. Experts note that this historical precedent continues to create obstacles for Black individuals pursuing careers in education.

    The “We Need Black Teachers” Campaign

    Black Teacher Appreciation Day is a key part of the Center for Black Educator Development’s (CBED) “We Need Black Teachers” campaign, launched in 2021. This initiative aims to highlight Black educators as mentors and culture bearers, while also advocating for greater institutional investment in their profession. The CBED also announced a $100,000 grant to support groups developing diverse teacher pipelines.

    As Sharif El-Mekki emphasizes, the goal is not just recognition but “real investment in Black educators.” Diversifying and sustaining the teaching workforce is seen as a proven strategy to strengthen schools and improve outcomes for all students.

    Beyond their role as educators, Black teachers often act as surrogate family members, mentors, and cheerleaders for their students. They navigate these crucial roles while facing underresourcing and systemic challenges in their own lives. Mimi Woldeyohannes of CBED highlights that Black educators have always understood teaching as an “act of freedom, resistance, and deep, enduring joy.”

    How do you celebrate the Black educators in your life? Share your stories and appreciation in the comments below!

  • Educators Aim for Record in History Lesson Marathon

    In a powerful act of educational protest, two dedicated educators recently embarked on an ambitious 33-hour teaching marathon. Dr. Anita Lewis and Gwendolyn Ebron aimed to set a new Guinness World Record for the Longest History Lesson, focusing on 5,000 years of African and African American history. Their endeavor was not just about breaking a record, but also about pushing back against the marginalization of Black history in schools.

    A Lesson in Resilience and Reclamation

    The marathon lesson, held at the Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church in Philadelphia, was a direct response to legislative efforts across the country that restrict the teaching of topics like ‘divisive concepts’ and systemic racism. Lewis, a Texas-based educator, and Ebron, a Philadelphia teacher, argued that their extensive lesson serves as a vital form of educational resistance.

    ‘In light of the things that have been going on at the state, local and national levels regarding the erasure of African and African American history, my protest has always been through education,’ Dr. Lewis stated. ‘While they’re looking to remove our history from the walls, they can’t remove it from our minds.’

    Covering Millennia of History

    The curriculum spanned an incredible 5,000 years, beginning with ancient African civilizations and progressing through critical historical periods. The educators covered the transatlantic slave trade, the Reconstruction era, and the modern Civil Rights Movement. To adhere to the strict Guinness World Record guidelines, they taught nonstop, with only a brief five-minute break allowed per hour.

    The event was live-streamed globally by Urban Intellectuals, an organization dedicated to providing resources on Black history. It also garnered significant community support, with audience members traveling to Philadelphia to witness this remarkable display of endurance and commitment.

    A Record Under Review

    Gwendolyn Ebron emphasized the deeper purpose behind their effort, stating, ‘This is more than a record attempt; it is a reclamation. We are teaching the history that shaped the world, honoring the resilience and global impact of African people across millennia.’ The educators also incorporated interactive activities and affirmations to inspire students of all ages to recognize their potential and carry these lessons forward.

    While the certification is currently under review by Guinness World Records, the current record holder for the Longest History Lesson is Andrew Torget, another Texas educator, who taught for 26 hours and 34 minutes. Lewis and Ebron’s 33-hour attempt represents a significant achievement, regardless of the final certification.

    What are your thoughts on this historic attempt to teach Black history? Do you believe it’s important to actively protest the erasure of history through education? Share your views in the comments below!

  • Black Educator Launches Innovative Competency-Based School in Florida

    Families in Southern Florida have a fresh, innovative educational option thanks to Dr. Kisha Bellande-Francis. She’s launched DOTT Academy, a charter school that’s ditching traditional grades in favor of real-world skills and mastery-based learning. This is a game-changer for how we think about educating our children.

    Mastery Over Age: The DOTT Academy Difference

    Located in Greenacres, Florida, DOTT Academy serves children ages 5 to 14 and stands out as one of the few competency-based schools in the state. Here, students advance by demonstrating they’ve mastered skills, rather than moving up based on their age or grade level. This approach ensures a deeper understanding and genuine readiness for future challenges.

    Dr. Bellande-Francis, who brings over 20 years of experience as a teacher, consultant, and personal development expert across 15 states, leads the academy as its principal. Her vision is clear: empower students through personalized learning that truly prepares them for life beyond the classroom.

    Focusing on Real-World Readiness

    “DOTT Academy empowers students through personalized, competency-based learning where they progress based on mastery, not seat time,” Dr. Bellande-Francis stated in a press release. “Students advance at their own pace, collaborate with multi-age peers, and work toward clear, meaningful learning targets.”

    The curriculum emphasizes practical skills like building sustainable gardens and planning community events. This focus on depth over pace and personal growth over comparison ensures students develop stronger skills, deeper confidence, and genuine real-world readiness – the ultimate goal for any parent.

    A Structure Designed for Growth

    To facilitate this personalized approach, DOTT Academy groups students into five multi-aged “pods”: Foundations (K–1), Explorers (1–3), Innovators (3–5), Scholars (5–6), and Leaders (6–8). This structure allows teachers to concentrate on each child’s unique skill development, ensuring no one is held back or rushed ahead.

    Upon completing the Leaders Pod, students graduate with a mastery portfolio, a comprehensive showcase of their achievements that prepares them for admission into some of the region’s most competitive high schools.

    The academy recently celebrated its official ribbon-cutting ceremony with the North Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Bellande-Francis expressed her gratitude, calling it “just the beginning” and thanking supporters for helping to “create a new future in education.”

    What do you think about DOTT Academy’s innovative approach to education? Would you consider this model for your child? Share your thoughts in the comments below!