Journal of a Black Teacher

By Don Allen, Journal of A Black Teacher - (2025) (Image generated by Canva, 2025) Lenses : Satire, Editorial Opinion I was enjoying my own pleasantly subdued Twin Cities Monday morning when the announcers began to rave—no, preach—about the Almighty Storm. “...Updates in the 6 AM hour on how you should prepare for the possibilities of heavy thunderstorms with a chance of hail and tornadoes.” Yes, I was caught up in the hype, too. This is how it starts. You could almost hear the timpani booming under the Doppler radar maps: an angry sky god was supposedly hovering somewhere over Iowa, deciding which of its favorite metropolises to annihilate. Cue shots of ominous purple blobs creeping in from the west and north, cue anchor-desk gravity, cue dramatic pauses worthy of Shakespearean portent. And like every other sensible Twin Citian who's been conditioned to believe that neon weather maps are the new Dead Sea Scrolls, I made a beeline for the nearest Cub Foods. There, in a tableau wort...

     I have profound and personal insight into what defines an “A” student, having observed and interacted with numerous examples of such students throughout both secondary and higher education. Across the United States, there are thousands of these high-achieving individuals, each with their unique strengths and potential. Sadly, many of them may never have the chance to reach their full capabilities due to educational systems that are often inadequate or designed to cater only to a mediocre standard. For instance, credit recovery programs frequently aim at the lowest common denominator, prioritizing basic competencies over the cultivation of critical thinking, creativity, and advanced skills. This systemic issue not only stifles the aspirations of bright students but also perpetuates a cycle of underachievement that limits their future opportunities and the overall advancement of our educational landscape. By Don Allen - Journal Of A Black Teacher (2025)    ...

I believe it is important to explore the sources of support and resources available to us. I am confident that many Black teachers and administrators would be willing to contribute $50 a month to the BMT, provided there is a clear and transparent approach that fosters trust, accountability, and responsibility through the use of data. My focus is not on personal grievances but rather on promoting positive outcomes, as I have a deep understanding of the systems in which we operate. By Don Allen, Ed.S., M.A. Ed., MAT - Doctoral Candidate - Research Scientist As a Black male teacher in Minnesota, I am particularly concerned with efforts to grow the number of Black male teachers in Minnesota classrooms. Black Men Teach (BMT), a nonprofit group, has drawn attention for its work to recruit, prepare, place, and retain Black male elementary school teachers in Minnesota. While the aims of the organization are commendable, there is an immediate need for greater transparency regarding its activiti...

Regarding : Cub Foods-University Ave St. Paul There are St. Paul commissioners, city council members, and other elected officials who shop at Cub Foods on University Avenue. Their silence in this superficial matter is deafening. How is it they can solve challenges for the people they represent but cannot pick up a phone a lobby for something the people might need? By Don Allen, Journal of A Black Teacher (2025) Saint Paul, MN...I don’t typically delve into conspiracy theories, but I find myself fully immersed in this one. The Cub Foods on University Avenue in St. Paul, Minnesota, situated in the vibrant heart of Midway, has been eerily devoid of shopping carts for over a month now. How can you shop on a Sunday after church and not have a cart—and only two cashier lanes open? This unusual situation has sparked my curiosity and raised a myriad of questions about what could be behind such a puzzling oversight. I chatted with the manager and a few employees at the deli, which, I must say, ...