Meet the Movement is our blog series highlighting the folks who drive our work: the educators and administrators, the policymakers and researchers, the community members, students, advocates, and parents. In each edition, we sit down with a member of our community to hear what brought them to this work, what keeps them going, and why educator diversity matters to them personally.

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Together, these are the leaders working to create a Pennsylvania where every classroom reflects the brilliance of the diversity of its students and every educator feels valued and equipped to thrive.

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Tell us a little about yourself and your role. How would you describe what you do in your own words?

I am a dedicated educator, advisor, and coach that takes pride in advancing student success,  advocating for equity, and implementing change for inclusive school environments. I lead initiatives that center on cultural proficiency and culturally responsive practices, student voice, and belonging. I provide trainings and professional development for educators and mentorship for students. Also, supporting student affinity groups is very important to me in my role.

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The most rewarding part of what I do is bridging educator development with student empowerment. I am solutions driven with creativity always being my driving force. At times I would even consider myself a trailblazer in certain spaces.

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What brought you to this work? Was there a moment, a person, or an experience that pointed you in this direction?

As one of only 3 Black teachers in my school when I started teaching 20 years ago, I knew there was something different about me as an educator and how I connected with all students.

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My interest in multicultural education—which we could probably now be referred to as culturally responsive teaching—started as a classroom teacher. I noticed the importance and value of students seeing themselves in the curriculum and teachers that look like them. I intentionally selected books from diverse cultures to teach my core instruction and also have in my classroom library. I saw this as the first step to having an inclusive classroom.

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In 2021, my previous school district where I taught 2nd grade started a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee. I joined the committee due to my strong interest in diversity and equity in education. As a black educator and once a black student myself, I could see where more representation of our students was needed. There was room for celebration and appreciation of the different cultures and backgrounds that our learners brought to school daily. 

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I was a district DEI committee member and the building leader for my school. This was the beginning of this work for me. My role as the DEI Building Lead is what catapulted me into my current role as Advisor of School Community Engagement with the Upper Merion Area School District.

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Can you share a specific moment when you saw the impact of this work on a student, family, school, or community?

The moment I saw the impact of my work on a student was when I was asked to give the yearly update to our school board. I asked a student to share feedback on an initiative I created called "Chit, Chat, Chew" for high school students. "Chit, Chat, Chew" is a safe space for all students to discuss topics in an open forum related to student success, teacher-student relationships, the school community, student voice, goal setting, conflict resolution, and college and career readiness.

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The student highlighted the impact the space had on her. She described it as fun, creative, and an understandable meeting place. She gave details about how everyone feels included and can be themselves without judgement. The student even noted that she had observed other students being relaxed and comfortable in the space as well.

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Her feedback was given in the form of a letter to the school board. Reading it gave me so much pause. I didn't know if I wanted to cry tears of joy or shout for joy because this is what this work is truly all about: the impact it has on students' daily lives.

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Why does educator diversity matter to you personally?

Educator diversity matters to me because I recognize the benefits for diverse learners having teachers of color. Research has shown that even non-students of color benefit from having just one Black teacher. We must showcase the talented educators of colors because representation matters. 

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Having the daily visual of a teacher of color often sends a message that education matters to the students who could possibly go their entire childhood without having a teacher they can relate to. Children need to see people of color in all fields so they can aspire to be in the field (not just blue collar fields). This is especially true to education.

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What impact has PEDC had on your journey?

PEDC provides the space for like minded people in education. There is never a need to prove yourself in the PEDC space. We affirm, support, and empower each other. The PEDC space has been a tremendous part of my professional growth through providing professional development and networking opportunities.

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PEDC has had a specific impact on my journey because I was connected to my current school district at the annual PEDC Virtual Summit in 2023. 

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What gives you hope right now? What are you holding onto?

The students. ALL students—not just some of the students I work with from marginalized groups—but ALL students. The students are each others' allys. Some are even ready to be co-conspirators.

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The work gives me hope. When I see teachers make culturally responsive teaching a priority it gives me hope. The joy is in the work.

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Students owning their future. The students will be the change makers. It's our duty to support, encourage, and advocate for them.

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