Journal of a Black Teacher

“It is unabashedly ambitious, and yet completely accessible to those willing to put in the time and effort.” Course Evaluation by Don Allen, Ed.S., M.A.Ed., MAT.  Hamline University's "Academic Writing for Graduate Students" (GED 8005-1), taught by Professor Julia Reimer in the Summer of 2025, provided me with a foundational experience, helping me to develop my scholarly voice and enhance my graduate-level writing skills, including experimenting with journal and book writing in tandem with authoring a critical dissertation. As a doctoral student who has been a Piper for 15 years (10-years in graduate school), I took this course seriously and with enthusiasm, I can attest with certainty that GED 8005-1 is more than a support course, it is a required academic rite of passage that needs to be permanently integrated into the Ed.D. program for all subsequent cohorts. I was a little nervous at first because I didn’t want what I thought was a random course to deconstruct my GPA....

The dominant culture in education constantly reminds me that no matter how many degrees I hold, my place in their system is defined by their comfort with my presence. Credentials don’t shield against biases; they merely illuminate the barriers to equity, reinforcing a hierarchy that resists meaningful change for marginalized voices. Yes, DEI is dead.  By Don Allen, Ed.S., M.A. Ed., MAT  - Journal of A Black Teacher        Sitting in Cohort 13's class on Saturday represented one of the most uncomfortable experiences of my doctoral journey. The topic of the evening rested on an upcoming event meant to seek current disparities in education and propose solutions with key policymakers and stakeholders. This was a rare opportunity, as our voices as educators could be elevated into spaces of power. Then, as the discussion unfolded, I watched colleagues back out, pointing to vague reasons or shifting the focus to other priorities.       The unea...

  By Don Allen (Editorial Opinion) Journal of A Black Teacher (2024)       The landmark decision of  Brown vs. Board of Education in 1954 is often awkwardly celebrated as a monumental victory in the struggle for civil rights and social justice in the United States. By declaring racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, the Supreme Court set the stage for the desegregation of American society, promoting equality in education. However, while the decision was a significant step forward in many respects, it also had unintended and adverse consequences for Black educators, which continue to resonate in 2024. This paper aims to meet the assignment prerequisites by exploring the connections between the policy established by Brown vs. Board and the social justice issue of the marginalization and displacement of Black teachers, highlighting the complex interplay between legal reforms and their social impact.       Brown vs. Board of Educ...

“With gratitude, optimism is sustainable. If you can find something to be grateful for then you will find something to look forward to - and you carry on. ” ~Michael J. Fox  By Don Allen, M.A. Ed./MAT      While only a few Twin Cities public schools try to educate our children, charter schools have high potential advantages for our Black, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian children; it's essential to recognize that charter schools vary widely in their approaches, quality, and outcomes. It's crucial for parents to thoroughly research and visit specific charter schools to assess their academic performance, teaching methods, student support services, and overall fit for their child's needs and aspirations. Parents should consider all available options and make an informed decision based on what they believe is best for their child's education and well-being.      In recent years, charter schools have become a popular alternative to traditional...