Celebrating Black History Month: Black Educators on Joy and Fulfillment

This Black History Month, we are celebrating the impact of Black educators. Below, we share reflections from Black educators on how they empower students; how and why being a Black educator is fulfilling and joyful; and the ways in which Black educators benefit all students.

Read the educators’ reflections on empowerment and their impact.

… I know I am bringing an underrepresented voice into the classroom. — Rachael Kabagabu, Teach Plus Texas Policy Fellow

… education creates social & economic opportunities that change lives of individuals and communities to which they belong. — Tracy Edwards, Teach Plus Nevada Senior Policy Fellow

… I get to do the heart work and encourage students to think beyond the textbooks and what’s in front of them. — Dr. Allison N. Oliver, Assistant Professor in Clarksville, TN

… because like an artist, I take a muddled canvas of colors and abstract shapes, and I have the chance to enhance those hues, blend in the shading, and sharpen the picture. My job is not so much to lead the way, but to allow my students to find their way and be there when they get lost, or tired, or frightened — and to pick them up, dust off their breeches, and send them back on their way. — Patricia A. Jackson, educator in York, PA

… the positive impact you make in a student’s life. — Michael Flowers, Teach Plus Arkansas Policy Fellow

… my personal liberation has been bound with those students and communities I serve. — Hasani Hudson, Teach Plus Pennsylvania T3 Teacher Leader

… I get to celebrate and share my culture with the kids I teach each day. — Brigitte Tshishimbi, Teach Plus Pennsylvania Policy Fellow

… unlike my experience as a student — I resemble my students’ dialect, style, and upbringing while breaking the mainstream stigma of what “educated” looks like. — Romana Mathews, Teach Plus Arkansas Policy Fellow

… you are able to build relationships, break stereotypes and preconceived ideas. Also, it is a major blessing to reach a wide array of students. ALL students are important. — Dwayne E Lacy, educator in Katy, TX

… I have the privilege to affirm students who have had unfulfilling educational experiences. — Raven Morris, Teach Plus Texas Policy Fellow

… I get to pour into students who many others have written off as lost causes. I get to see the joy when they have someone who can relate to their circumstances and yet not enable them to stay where they are. I get to expose them to a professional speaking and learning environment that requires the best from them, stretching them beyond where they are and giving hope to where they are headed. — Adrienne Black, educator in Houston, TX

… I get to generate possibilities among adversity by influencing/impacting brown girls and boys who have to learn in a system that is unfavorable to them. — Vanessa Jefferson, educator in Pine Bluff, AR

… I get to be the example to my students that I wish I had when I was their age. — Treci Butler, Teach Plus Pennsylvania Policy Fellow

… I make a difference in my campus with diverse students of different cultural backgrounds. — Olutope Aghedo, educator in Houston, TX

… I can use traditions and customs inherent within the African American community to build relationships with all of my students. This is because the African American tradition is part of the fabric of America, so usual African American cultural norms in the classroom break down walls and build community. — Nicole Y. Smith, Teach Plus Arkansas Policy Fellow

… because I know my value and worth, and what I bring to the table is needed! And all that I am was meant to serve others! — Melody Bradley, Teach Plus Texas Senior Policy Fellow

… I am part of the 5%. According to research, 5% of the teachers in the Chicago area are Black. I get to show them what success looks like. I did not have a Black teacher and it impacted me a lot. I had no one that understood my hair, my jokes, and even my facial expression. I get to be the one that understands them. I also get to be a positive Black woman for them. Stereotypically, Black women are cold-hearted, loud, and unreasonable. When they see me, I am calm, understanding, non-combative. and gentle. I love working with BIPOC students. — Cherish P. Jackson, educator in DeKalb, Illinois

… as a teacher who is Black and male, I make up less than 2% of the teaching population. As such, I find myself constantly encountering unique instances wherein understanding my perspective is paramount to navigating the instance adequately. When this occurs, I cannot help but to conjecture that having more individuals like myself in this profession could serve so much good for so many students, Black male and otherwise. — Dillon Booker, Teach Plus Nevada Policy Fellow

… I understand that I may be the only Black educator many will ever be exposed to. I also know that many of my Black students will see themselves in me, relate to my history, my experiences, and my unique perspectives as a Black educator. — Michele Lamons-Raiford, Teach Plus California Policy Fellow

… I get to be a positive role model for Black students. — LaTasha Olsen, Teach Plus Nevada Policy Fellow

… I get to empower students who look like me to know they, too, can be successful no matter where they come from. — Phylicia Butler, Teach Plus Arkansas Policy Fellow

… you are a light of possibilities for Black youth. They see you and know that anything is possible. From our simple presence, to the words we use to empower, we are a guiding beacon for so many. We have the capacity to be pure joy for our students! — Sheila Weathers, Teach Plus Nevada Senior Policy Fellow

… I am proud of the contributions of my ancestors. Also, I am thrilled to leave a legacy of over 22 years in public education by challenging the minds of our next generation of world leaders year after year! — Phyllis Ray, educator

… I’m given the opportunity to open the door for other cultures to acknowledge the great contributions that we have made to the world. — Precious Allen, Teach Plus Illinois Policy Fellow

… I am a part of change. I am a part of a movement and struggle that was created to not succeed nor build me up for greatness. I am a product of strong individuals, a wealth of knowledge, and a legacy of strength, courage, and motivation. — Evonie Rash, Teach Plus Mississippi Policy Fellow

… it allows me to show my students that we, as African Americans, can be successful at anything if we put our minds to it. — Joi Fleming

… when my students feel successful, I feel joy. When I am able to speak life to their dreams, it’s fulfilling. When I am the difference between a student getting therapy and support instead of prison. I know why I teach, and when they walk across the stage and I know how much they’ve overcome. It does not get any better than that! — Karen Sparks, Teach Plus Texas Policy Fellow

… it affords and allows me opportunities to model daily for all learners to observe what a woman/man looks like/acts as, and how one will carry one’s self. Thus, these learners are able to see the possibilities (in what they may believe are impossibilities!) — Erroll L. Franklin, Teach Plus Texas Policy Fellow

… it is the one job that gives students hope and options. So often students are plagued with the “don’ts” of the world, they don’t realize the “do’s” they are capable of achieving. As an educator, I empower all my students to be a better version of themselves. I give them a safe environment for their voices to be heard and for so many students who look like me, it’s the best way to build a positive rapport for removing limitations and showing them so many opportunities for people like us. — Athena Lindsey, Teach Plus Mississippi Senior Policy Fellow

… I bring innovative, diverse, and rigorous practices into my classroom. — Desiree Yolonda Fuller, Teach Plus Michigan Policy Fellow

… not only do I empower my students, but they also empower me. — Dr. Teresa Cowan-Fayter, California educator