Tag Archives: African American Teachers

Science teacher and retired US Marine Sequoia Aldredge speaks about resilience

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Here is an inspirational video about resilience, for both teachers and students. The message was delivered by Sequoia Aldridge at the 8th Annual Teach for America Gala in Washington, DC, in 2018. This exceptional educator knows a great deal about her topic, having lost her mother when she was only 11 years old.

Sequoia distinguished herself with a career in the US Marines that spanned 30 years and included combat deployment in Iraq. Once she retired from the military, she became a middle school science teacher through Teach for America. Sequoia is a true Chalkboard Champion, through and through.

Here is more about her story from Sequoia herself.

Jahsha Tabron named Delaware’s 2022 State Teacher of the Year

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Congrats to Special Education teacher Jahsha Tabron, who has been named Delaware’s 2022 State Teacher of the Year. Photo Credit: Delaware State University

Congratulations are due to Jahsha Tabron, a high school teacher from Delaware who has been named her state’s 2022 Teacher of the Year. She was selected from a field of 20 teachers representing school districts or charter schools throughout the state.

Jahsha currently teaches at Brandywine High School, where she works primarily with ninth graders who are transitioning into high school. In all, her career as an educator has spanned an impressive 21 years.

In addition to her work with students, Jahsha serves as her school’s Special Education Department Chair. She also works towards establishing equitable educational practices, and she facilitates opportunities for colleagues to foster student-centered growth. She mentors new teachers in compliances with special education requirements that are necessary for developing individualized education plans for students.

Jahsha recognizes that the efforts of her colleagues is just as important as her own. “I’m reminded daily that I am a part of something important, something bigger than myself and my classroom,” she said at the time she accepted her honor. “Our community includes teachers, counselors, and administrators,” she continued. “At the core of a true school community, there’s accountability, solidarity and a mutual understanding why we are her to prepare students. This is what creates successful students and successful schools,” she concluded.

As a result of her selection as Teacher of the Year, Jahsha will receive a $5,000 grant to use for the educational benefit of her students, as well as two personal grants totaling an additional $5,000.

A native of Bronx, New York, Jahsha was born of immigrant parents from Jamaica. The honored educator earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from Delaware State University in 2000. Later she earned her Master’s degree in School Leadership and Administration from Wilmington University.

 

North Carolina teacher Eugenia Floyd named her state’s 2022 Teacher of the Year

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North Carolina elementary school teacher Eugenia Floyd has been named her state’s 2022 Teacher of the Year. Photo Credit: North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching.

I always enjoy sharing stories about exceptional educators who have earned accolades for their work in the classroom. One of these is Eugenia Floyd, an elementary school teacher from North Carolina who has been named her state’s 2022 Teacher of the Year.

Eugenia has taught fourth grade for eight years at Mary Scroggs Elementary School in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. In her classroom, the honored educator says she emphasizes equity. To achieve this goal, she teaches a unit on social issues. She facilitates discussions about such topics as bullying, racism, and sexism. “Not only do I want to make sure I teach my students material that can connect to the world around us,” Eugenia says, “but I also want them to be able to use what they have learned in order to make themselves and the world a better place,” she continues. “When students are able to connect to their lives and world around them, learning will most definitely happen and stick,” she concludes. In addition, Eugenia says a key element of her approach is having high expectations of all students, rather than imposing any limits on their capacity to learn.

The honored educator earned her Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She completed her K-6 teacher certification at North Carolina Central University in 2013. In 2020, she earned her Master’s degree in Gifted Education from Elon University located in Elon, North Carolina.

As North Carolina’s Teacher of the Year, Kimberly will serve as a state ambassador for teachers and as an advisor on the State Board of Education for two years. The honor includes a cash award of $8,500, a trip to the National Teacher of the Year Conference and International Space Camp, a leased car, a mobile phone, a foldable laptop computer, and the opportunity to travel abroad.

Congratulations, Eugenia!

Kimberly Johnson named Alabama’s 2021-2022 Teacher of the Year

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Kimberly Johnson, a junior high school teacher from Auburn, Alabama, has been named her state’s 2021-2022 Teacher of the Year. Photo Credit; The Anniston Star

It is always my pleasure to share the story of an exceptional educator who has earned recognition for their work in the classroom. One of these is Kimberly Johnson, a junior high school teacher from Auburn, Alabama. She has been named her state’s 2021-2022 Teacher of the Year.

Kimberly works at Auburn Junior High School as an interventionist and study skills teacher for at-risk eighth and ninth grade students. The honored educator says she strives to get students involved and interested in their coursework by using a student-centered approach. Her approach involves giving students options and holding them accountable when it comes to their schoolwork. Kimberly believes one of the most important aspects of her teaching is showing students that she cares. “Relationships are first, and then you can get students to do hard things,” she asserts. Once those relationships are established, she says, then she can create a safe space where they can work through any issues they may face.

Kimberly’s career as a professional educator began in 1998 and has spanned 23 years. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of Alabama, and her Master’s degree in English and Language Arts Education from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University. She also completed the requirements for a degree as a Specialist in Education in English Language Arts Education from Auburn University.

As the Alabama Teacher of the Year, Kimberly will serve as a full-time ambassador for the teaching profession for one year. She will spend this time speaking to civic and professional organizations, PK-12 schools, colleges and universities; conducting workshops for teachers; and writing newspaper and magazine articles.

Congratulations, Kimberly!

 

Ohio’s Kurt Russell named the 2022 National Teacher of the Year

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Congratulations to Kurt Russell, a high school history teacher from Oberlin High School in Ohio, who has just been named the 2022 National Teacher of the Year! Here he is in his appearance on CBS Mornings on April 19, 2022, being interviewed by co-hosts Gayle King, Tony Dokoupil, and Nate Burleson.