Journal of a Black Teacher

While sweeping the garage one day, I found myself instinctively starting from each corner, pushing the pill of ‘stuff’ toward the center. Seemingly such an act of meaninglessness, it brought into view a brilliant observation of leadership and organizational dynamics that I would later conceptualize as the Theory of Corners. Just as dust usually accumulates and is never cleaned out from the corners of a space, so too are blind spots in organizations, those areas where inefficiencies, inequities, and unspoken truths reside. I realized then that nuanced leadership means venturing into the metaphorical corners, addressing the hidden challenges, and moving them toward the center for systemic growth and transformation. This theory shaped my leadership philosophy. By Don Allen, for Journal of A Black Teacher (2025) Nuanced leadership is an art form often drowned out by loud voices, rigid hierarchies, and unwavering allegiance to the status quo. These are the leaders who dare to dwell in the ...

By Don Allen (Editorial Opinion) - Journal of A Black Teacher (2024) In education, data speaks volumes, yet it’s often met with silence. Teachers, administrators, and policymakers stand at a crossroads when using data to drive decisions. Schools are rich in one crucial resource: children. The talent we have in our students is immeasurable. They are our society's future thinkers, creators, and leaders, and we are fortunate to be surrounded by this talent daily. But what happens when school sites and districts don’t listen to the data, refusing to acknowledge where the challenges lie? How can we possibly nurture this talent if we don’t understand the obstacles in their way? This article explores the consequences of neglecting data and how the lack of collective determination in favor of individual agendas stifles growth and progress. Despite the immense talent within our classrooms and the available resources — human capital, expertise, and technology — our schools still struggle. Th...

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...