Journal of a Black Teacher

Equity in education is a buzzword that fills mission statements and district policies, but ask ten educators what it truly looks like, and you’ll get ten different answers. Some say it’s equal funding, others argue it’s individualized support, while some claim it’s dismantling systemic barriers. Yet, when decisions about resources, discipline, or curriculum are made, equity becomes a vague ideal rather than a concrete practice. Teachers are told to “meet students where they are,” but with what tools, and at whose expense? The truth is that equity remains an abstract promise, a goal chased but never fully defined, leaving schools in perpetual debate. Author's Note: My article, Why Equity Is A Unique Inoperational Fantasy in Education Systems, criticizes the use of "equity" as a buzzword in education. I attest that equity shows up in mission statements and strategic plans but remains an unrealized promise, used more as a shield for inaction than as a structured approach to...

If you’re convinced by CNN that President Donald Trump is the bogeyman, think again: DEI has always been our bogeyman. By Don Allen, Journal of A Black Teacher (2025) Nuance leaders, not afraid of looking in the blind spots from the beginning, knew that DEI efforts were nothing but folly. Today, in light of President Donald Trump’s executive order against diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, major companies and organizations have killed their DEI rollouts. In recent years, the buzzwords “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)” have been plastered across mission statements, websites, and glossy brochures throughout Minnesota. In the wake of Black men and women being murdered by law enforcement, institutions scrambled to position themselves on the “right side of history,” pledging their unwavering commitment to dismantling systemic racism and fostering inclusion. Yet, as the dust settles, and you look only at the data, it’s becoming increasingly evident that for many organizations...

Note to Readers : Courageous Conversation protocols are used in this reflection.  By Don Allen (Journal of A Black Teacher) REAL-LIFE FICTION In my second year teaching 7th-grade English to a predominantly Black middle school, I was making a difference. My classroom hummed with purpose as students turned ideas into action. They put out a monthly newspaper filled with their voice, stories, and dreams. We organized clothing drives to give back to the community, teaching the value of service and empathy. They knew their voices counted, not just with me but with the middle school. Many of them, for the first time, felt seen. By the end of that year, I was asked to move up with my students to teach 8th-grade English. The decision of the administration felt like a validation of the relational trust and curricular rigor I had established. However, the optimism I carried into my new role was quickly tempered when a new White teacher took over my 7th-grade classroom. Fresh out of a special...

“The ruby slippers are more than a collectible; they are a metaphor for possibility. In The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy’s journey home hinges on realizing that she already possesses the power to return—she just needs guidance to unlock it. Similarly, our society holds the power to uplift future generations through education. We don’t lack the resources; we lack the collective will to prioritize them.” By Don Allen, Journal of A Black Teacher (Editorial Opinion)  In a moment that underscores the dissonance between cultural fascination and societal priorities, Dorothy’s iconic ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz recently sold at auction for an astonishing $28 million. While this transaction demonstrates the enduring allure of nostalgia and Hollywood memorabilia, it simultaneously sheds light on a more troubling reality: the chronic underfunding of education, particularly in underserved communities. As we marvel at the price tag of these sequined shoes, we must ask ourselves: What could $28...

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 ...

“A simple question deserves a simple answer.” By Don Allen, Journal of a Black Teacher (2024) ( Photo :  Dr. Boyce Watkins X feed; Fair Use) The erosion of our social structures concerning Black children is a topic that consistently sparks my curiosity. I often find myself contemplating the reasons behind this decline and the impact it has on our communities. About four years ago, I began to delve deeper into my readings. I realized that the issues affecting the Twin Cities could potentially arise in other cities, and local communities had to find ways to restore collaboration and human capital to enhance the city for the betterment of local businesses, neighborhoods, and, most importantly, the people. However, I couldn't comprehend the exposure of our 12-16-year-old children to adult situations while exploring downtown with the same level of enthusiasm as adults. Though it may not be a popular question, the most crucial one that demands an immediate answer is: where are the parent...

“How can we be surgical enough to make sure our children are doing math, science, reading, and thinking beyond grade level?” Listen to The 180 Podcast: Zaretta Hammond: What is Culturally-Responsive Teaching? https://turnaround.medium.com/the-180-podcast-zaretta-hammond-what-is-culturally-responsive-teaching-1756d9129f38 By Don Allen, Editorial Opinion - Journal of A Black Teacher (2024) We all hear a lot about the importance of educating kids in an equitable and inclusive environment. But despite those aspirations, far too many educators and policymakers engage in practices that foster inequity, beginning with what Zaretta Hammond calls Cognitive Red Lining (2021) . In her 180 Podcast, Zaretta Hammond: What is Culturally-Responsive Teaching?, Hammond inferred, “We know what physical housing red lining is. In schools, we have cognitive red lining, which, on its surface, doesn't look racialized.” I'm not here to cause any problems, and if I were, I would want to be the whole ...

  By Don Allen, Editorial Opinion This is an often-espoused goal: the quest for educational diversity and representation, yet far too elusive for way too many exceptionally qualified Black male teachers seeking a job in dominant culture school districts. Having the credentials, skill sets, and proven abilities to successfully educate does not avert the all-too-common response heard by so many of these educators: "You're certainly qualified, but we're going in a different direction." The troubling phenomenon is not simply personal but reflects a systemic problem that persists in undermining the educational landscape. Black male teachers bring unique perspectives, modeling and mentoring students who otherwise may not have that type of representation within their academic environment. Their presence can, indeed, do much to enhance the cultural competency of all students and create an inclusive, enriched atmosphere toward learning. In far too many dominant culture school ...

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, a new podcast has emerged, promising to be a beacon of insight, inspiration, and innovation. " Niggle ," hosted by Don Allen, is a fresh and engaging podcast dedicated to exploring the complexities and challenges of education change, leadership, and teaching. With a mission to ignite conversations and foster understanding, " Niggle " delves into the pressing issues facing educators, administrators, and policymakers today. Who is Don Allen? Don Allen, Ed.S., M.A. Ed., MAT is no stranger to the world of education. With a rich background in organizational communication and instructional leadership, he brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. As a seasoned educator and communicator, Allen has dedicated his career to improving educational outcomes and advocating for equitable practices. His journey has been shaped by his commitment to diversity, equity, and doing what's right for K-12 scholars, particularl...

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 ...

By Don Allen, Ed.S., M.A. Ed., MAT Within the heart of the Twin Cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul Public Schools remain bastions of education, grounds for changing the lives of thousands of students yearly. Still, in their halls and classrooms, there resides a looming, daunting question: What is the plan for teaching Black Twin Cities high schoolers? While the question does not simply point to academic performance indicators or graduation rates, it goes to the core of educational equity and social justice. The academic success of Black students has had systemic barriers placed in its way. Together with resource and funding discrepancies and biases in disciplinarian practices, the path to education in Minneapolis and St. Paul for Black students has not been made smooth. One really important issue that needs critical attention is the process of credit recovery. Sometimes considered a last-ditch effort in the case of students failing in their academics, credit recovery programs were suppos...

I've learned you cannot fix everything, and some things do not want to be fixed because they make money for mediocre results (there can never be rich people without poor people). By Don Allen, Senior Columnist for the Postmodernist Practicum, rejecting the search for broad generalizations when we know we need to look into the blindspots.    I’ve read insightful articles this week from some of Minnesota’s premier thinkers and nuanced leaders about education this week. The article by Dr. David Schultz, “Minnesota is an educational leader in racial inequality” (2024) https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-is-an.../600373971/ - and Brother Khalique Rogers & Dr. Joe Nathan’s piece, “ Counterpoint: A nuanced view of what will reduce educational inequities ” (2024) https://www.startribune.com/counterpoint-a.../600374190/ bring to light from two point-of-views what many of us are concerned with, Black learning organizational excellence in a time of unprecedented mediocrity. Both ...

In today's society, the concept of treating a school site like a daycare has become increasingly prevalent as more parents enter the workforce and seek external care for their children. While daycare can provide a safe and nurturing environment for children, it is essential for parents to recognize the importance of being actively involved in their child's education at their child’s school site. In some schools, teachers avoid calling parents because of the backlash received from the parent to the teacher. All educators understand that parents are the go-to person in their student's life; this becomes challenging when parents who might be experiencing extreme poverty, lack of housing, and food shortages lash out at the people who teach their children. This critique editorial opinion will explore the detrimental effects of lack of parental involvement in education, the impact it has on child development and academic success, and the significance of communication between par...

  By Don Allen, M.A. Ed./MAT - Entry: J ournal of a Black Teacher May 26, 2023 Today, I am frustrated.      I’ve worked for the last seven years to understand the data-driven defeat of some of our most reputable educational institutions. When I write ‘defeat,’ it does not mean the system is not functioning at some level; you have buses, students, passing bells, teachers, social workers, counselors, administrators, and such with an output that might not meet the core ethics of society’s expectations for a well-rounded education system (creating Minnesota’s Best Workforce ). I could be wrong. Maybe people don’t care? I don’t hold any of the power; if I did, the conversation would look different. To be honest, I do not understand the current rules about being just fine with less and inefficient with what you have. Processing the Twin Cities' educational information for understanding and critique is very different from simply blaming the school systems for the ...

Consent Decree: These orders are usually called “consent decrees.” The term reflects that the order was negotiated and agreed to by the DOJ and the City that was investigated. A consent decree is a legally binding agreement where the court supervises the implementation of the agreement. By Don Allen, M. A. Ed./MAT #Fiction, #FutureCast Twin Cities, Minn…Once upon a time, in a city plagued by gun violence, there was a controversial agreement in place between the police department and the community. The agreement stated that the police would only use force as a last resort and would work to build trust and positive relationships with the people they served. At first, the agreement was met with skepticism and resistance from both sides. The police felt that their hands were tied and that they were being unfairly criticized for doing their jobs. The community, on the other hand, felt that the police were not doing enough to protect them and that the agreement was just a way for the police...

Note: While this piece is fictional, the art is real-life. " Police killed a Black Army veteran outside his home. His family wants answers"  (Griffith, 2021) NBC News .  Not knowing he was born both a success and a target, 23-year-old Army veteran John-Terry Lucine returned home from the service ready to live his life to the fullest, unaware of what could happen to an unarmed man in today’s society. Life, so he thought, awaited him.   By Don Allen -  All Rights Reserved.       T he Army was great. I did my three years – got out, came back here. Captran County is hot, filled with people running from one side to another. Suburban neighborhoods with names like Mars, Lunar One, and Apollo have popped up out of thin air. This is the big city, not the city I left three years ago.       Momma put me to work right away. She asked me to get some paint and fill in the letters on the old wooden mailbox out front of the fence. It had been ...