Journal of a Black Teacher

Classroom Discussion Questions: Put students in small groups or discuss as a whole class : Why do you think leaders like King, Malcolm X, and Newton were targeted by violence? How does political violence affect communities beyond just the leader who was killed? What lessons from these leaders can we apply to our lives today? Can love, unity, and service really be stronger than violence? Why or why not? How can young people carry forward the unfinished work of these leaders? By Don Allen, Ed.S., M.A.Ed., MAT  Black teachers shoulder a profound responsibility in today’s society. Our children are growing up in an environment where violence is a pervasive reality, manifesting itself through various forms—whether it stems from governmental actions, extremist groups, or even within our own neighborhoods. Failing to address this harsh reality leaves our young people ill-prepared to navigate the complexities and dangers of the world around them. By engaging in open and honest discussions a...

By USA Radical Black - An Urban Educational Think Tank (columnist include Don Allen) When a human body expires, all that remains is a lifeless shell that once held the vibrancy and identity of an individual. Similarly, in many learning organizations, we witness a high “mortality rate” in leadership competence—leaders who, though physically present, lack the necessary vitality, innovation, and insight to drive positive outcomes for students and families. This stagnation comes at the expense of students and communities, who count on schools to be more than just custodians of their children’s time; they expect educational institutions to be engines of knowledge, growth, and preparation for future success. Yet, as data increasingly reveals, the systems entrusted with shaping young minds are often hollow, devoid of best practices, creativity, and effective output. Mortality Leadership Competence , a term introduced by Don Allen, Ed.S., M.A. Ed., MAT, challenges us to confront the sobering ...

It's time for parents in the Twin Cities to reevaluate their list of local black charter schools that were initially created to offer quality education and uplift communities. However, they are now facing scrutiny over claims that these schools have shifted their interest from student well-being to financial gain. The concerns have been raised because it is reported that some of these schools may be exploiting the charter system and treating students as revenue generators rather than nurturing learners. This very nature of the commodification of education undercuts charter schools' goals: to be innovative and deliver high-quality education. Parents must demand openness, refocus on student-centered learning, and find ways to break down the walls that isolate charter schools. The real question must be: Are these schools meeting black children's educational needs, or are they capitalizing on them?. By reconsidering these factors, parents can create pressure to institute a ...

Trump's "Agenda 47" education plan encompasses a range of initiatives aimed at reforming the education system in line with conservative values. Great Principals and Great Teachers... 1. Ending Teacher Tenure: Trump supports ending teacher tenure to promote accountability and flexibility in hiring and firing teachers. -Merit Pay: The plan advocates for merit-based pay for teachers, rewarding those who perform well. -Various Educational Models: There is support for diverse publicly supported educational models, including charter schools and voucher programs, which align with the principle of parental rights and school excellence 2. Empowering Families: The plan emphasizes universal school choice, allowing families to select the best educational setting for their children, whether it be public, private, charter, or homeschooling. -Expanding 529 Education Savings Accounts: Trump supports expanding these accounts to help families save for education expenses. -Equal Support for...