When the Arts Go Viral

“I’m always trying to connect with them - that’s how I keep it joyful.”Ms. Jazmine CooperDancing with MISS COOP - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLZpL03egB4R0hbOT59IsjA“Yall know yall love my energy.” In this inspiring episode, Chicago dance educator Jazmine Cooper shares her journey into teaching, shaped by growing up with almost no Black educators and wanting to become the affirming presence she seldom saw. She explains why Black arts educators matter and how dance has become her tool for healing, empowerment, and identity-building for students. Jazmine opens up about the challenges Black arts teachers face in undervalued, underfunded, and over-tested school environments, and how she lets her choreography, her classroom culture, and her students’ transformation speak for themselves. 

“Education should be as diverse as the students we teach.” Jaysyn GreenHistory Teacher, Debate CoachThis week, we are joined by Jaysyn Green, a history teacher and debate coach from Compton, California. Jaysyn reflects on her journey into the classroom, inspired by an eighth-grade history teacher who helped her see the power of connecting personal experience to historical truth. She shares how moments of social unrest and the challenges of the last decade deepened her commitment to creating safe spaces where students—especially those who are first-generation or marginalized—can see themselves reflected and empowered through learning.Jaysyn discusses the importance of Black educators in shaping classrooms that honor identity, truth, and critical thought. From navigating racism in private schools to coaching debate teams that amplify student voice, she highlights the need for culturally grounded teaching and diverse perspectives in education. The legacy she hopes to leave as an educator is being remembered for strength, innovation, and believes in the power of education to help students make sense of the world.

Erika DeWaltDirector of Talent and Leader Development; Former School Leader“It’s important to have a seat at the table.”In this episode of Black Educators Matter, Erika DeWalt explores why Black educators are essential to the fabric of education and community. She emphasizes that representation in schools builds belonging, trust, and cultural understanding for both students and parents. Erika shares how her experience at Tennessee State University revealed gaps in her own education and sparked a lifelong mission to ensure students see themselves reflected in what they learn. From her leadership journey to her reflections on the principalship, she offers a candid look at the immense pressure and emotional toll faced by Black educators, particularly amid teacher shortages, burnout, and a system that often overlooks their professional development and well-being.“Be a part of the system building.”Despite these challenges, Erika’s story is one of joy, resilience, and vision. She finds fulfillment in culturally affirming education—bringing history and celebration into classrooms and leading by example in her son’s school. Her commitment to self-care, mentorship, and community underscores the need for systemic change that supports educators as whole humans. Looking ahead, Erika envisions a future modeled after Black Wall Street—where Black students thrive in schools led by Black educators, grounded in culture, wellness, and purpose. Her legacy goal is clear: to empower Black women educators and create educational spaces that honor ancestry, affirm identity, and prepare the next generation to lead with confidence and joy.

"Black educators matter because they inspire the next generation to reach their full potential."Dr. Gregory RossPresident, Head of School at West End Schoolhttps://www.ace-edservices.com/"I strive to be the educator that my younger self needed."In this enlightening episode, we are honored to welcome Dr. Gregory Ross, a dynamic leader and educator, who shares his powerful journey from a young boy in Paducah, Kentucky, to the president of the West End School in Louisville. Dr. Ross reflects on the profound influence of his mother and other educators, particularly highlighting the importance of representation in education and how it shaped his belief in the potential of every child."We must prioritize purpose over promotion."Dr. Ross provides invaluable advice for first-year educators, underscoring the importance of humility, reverence and the willingness to learn from those around them. His call to action for Black educators is both inspiring and urgent: to recognize the power they hold in shaping the future and to instill a sense of excellence in their students.

"Education is not just in the classroom; it's a lifelong journey." Dr. Letha Bell-JacksonEarly Childhood Educator and Doctorate in Christian Education"Black educators matter because we are the bridge to understanding and empowerment." In this enlightening episode of Black Educators Matter, we are thrilled to feature Dr. Letha Bell-Jackson, a dedicated educator with over 20 years of experience. Dr. Bell-Jackson shares her unique perspective on the importance of Black educators in shaping the lives of students and the broader community. "Teaching is my life source." Dr. Bell-Jackson reflects on her formative years in Chicago, where she experienced the challenges of a lack of Black representation in education. She emphasizes the critical role that educators play in fostering life skills and community engagement, particularly for parents. With a heart for mentorship, Dr. Bell-Jackson discusses her mission to empower families and nurture future generations.Join us as we delve into Dr. Bell-Jackson's reflections on her career, the state of Black education in America, and her unwavering determination to uplift her community. Her passion for teaching and advocacy is a testament to the profound impact that Black educators have on all students.

"Black educators matter because we are continuing a legacy from years before us."Shanimarie OgilvieFirst Grade Elementary Teacher"I strive to set a high bar for my students because I know they can achieve it."We are thrilled to welcome Shanimarie Ogilvie, a dedicated first-grade teacher with a rich background in education. Originally from Jamaica, Shanimarie reflects on her transformative journey from a predominantly Black educational experience in her home country to navigating the challenges of a predominantly white school system in the United States. She shares how her early educators laid the foundation for her belief in high expectations and the importance of representation in the classroom."Teaching reading is one of my biggest joys."With 17 years of experience, Shanimarie has held various roles, including instructional coach and supervisor, but her passion for teaching reading remains at the forefront. She offers invaluable insights for new educators, emphasizing the significance of mastering classroom management and the importance of self-care to prevent burnout in a demanding profession. Shanimarie is the host of The Teachers Impact podcast.

"A Black educator destroys the myth of black inferiority and white supremacy."Jeffrey BarnesMath and Social Studies Teacher"I strive to be the teacher that I needed when I was growing up."In the latest episode of our podcast, we had the privilege of speaking with Jeffrey Barnes, affectionately known as Brother Jeff, a passionate educator who has dedicated his life to teaching mathematics and social studies. Jeffrey's journey into education is rooted in his family's legacy and his desire to make a difference in the lives of Black youth. He shares how his mother, a historian and one of the first Black students to integrate a university, inspired him to pursue a career in education."What brings me joy is when the light comes on in someone's eyes."As a seasoned educator, Jeffrey offers valuable advice to first-year teachers. He encourages them to be patient with themselves, seek mentorship, and establish a healthy work-life balance. His own journey has not been without challenges, including a time when he considered leaving the profession. However, the support of his community and the realization of his passion for teaching brought him back to the classroom.Episode KeywordsBlack Educators, Education Journey, Representation In Education, Jeffrey Barnes, Importance Of Black Male Educators, Social Studies, Mathematics, Educational Legacy, Community Impact, Teaching Strategies, Student Engagement, Educational Challenges, Mentoring New Teachers, Emotional Learning, History Of Black Education, Overcoming Adversity, Youth Mentorship, Black History, Educational Transformation, Advocacy In Education

"Literacy is everything." Dr. Duane Davis Literacy Advocate and Public School Advocate https://www.instagram.com/literacyloungepod/ https://bsky.app/profile/literacyloungepod.bsky.social Email us at [email protected] "We need to see models and examples of people that look like us." Hello, Season 3! We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Duane Davis back to the Black Educators Matter podcast for a special episode that introduces our new collaborative initiative, the Literacy Lounge. Dr. Davis, a passionate literacy advocate, emphasizes the critical role that Black educators play in shaping the future of students, especially as a model for those who may not have seen educators who look like them. "Literacy is a movement." Dr. Davis discusses the origin of the Literacy Lounge, a companion podcast aimed at uplifting the voices of authors, storytellers, and creatives in the education space. He reflects on the importance of literacy as a foundational element of education and its expansive role in various aspects of life, including STEM, art, and health. Dr. Davis shares his call to action for Black educators and creators, encouraging them to continue their vital work and support one another. He highlights the significance of community and representation in education, reminding us that every effort counts in the ongoing fight for equity and access. Special thanks to Dr. Davis's family and the mentors who have influenced his journey. Join us as we celebrate the launch of the Literacy Lounge and the impactful stories that will emerge from this new platform.

"We are the backbones, we are the nurturers, we are the lovers, we are the teachers." Ayanna Scott Jenkins Middle School Instructional Coach [email protected] http://www.primerica.com/a_jenkins "Without us, the world would be something different." This week, we welcome Ayanna Scott Jenkins, a dedicated middle school instructional coach, to Black Educators Matter. Born and raised in Aurora, Illinois, Ayanna reflects on her formative years in predominantly white educational settings, where, despite never having a Black teacher, she was deeply influenced by a strong community of Black mentors, including her parents and godparents. Her journey led her to pursue education at Clark Atlanta University and later at the University of Illinois, Chicago, majoring in secondary education. Ayanna shares her experiences of moving through different educational landscapes, from Illinois to Ohio, and the profound impact of building genuine connections with her students. "I wanted to be the teacher that I did not have." Ayanna discusses the challenges and triumphs of her 24-year career in education, emphasizing the importance of leading with love and the critical role of mentorship. Her reflections touch on the systemic issues within Black education, including the effects of integration and the need for communal support and representation in schools. Ayanna also shares her passion for financial literacy, aiming to empower educators to secure their futures beyond retirement. Special thanks to Dr. Briggs, Dr. Stephanie Powell, Dr. Darrell Sanders, and Dr. Kimberly Hinton, whose mentorship and guidance have significantly shaped Ayanna's career and personal growth.

"You are capable and it is possible." Darius Stanley Assistant Professor, Educational Leadership, Author To order his book: https://hep.gse.harvard.edu/9781682538869/blackeducatorsmatter/ "I realized that I don't think they hired me to teach." This week, we are joined by Dr. Darius Stanley, an assistant professor of educational leadership at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Hailing from Tallahassee, Florida, Dr. Stanley shares his journey from being one of the few Black students in his K-12 classes to attending Florida A&M University, an HBCU that felt like home. His experiences in predominantly white schools and later at an all-Black high school shaped his understanding of the importance of representation and community in education. "Black educators are the shepherds of maintaining the wholeness of Black students." Dr. Stanley reflects on his career, from teaching social studies in Orlando to pursuing a PhD to enact systemic change. He discusses the challenges Black educators face, such as being seen as disciplinarians rather than teachers, and the critical role they play in creating spaces where Black students can see their potential. His book, "Black Educators Matter: The Experiences of Black Teachers in an Anti-Black World," explores these themes and emphasizes the importance of addressing anti-Blackness in educational systems to truly support Black educators and students. Special thanks to Mr. Burgess, Dr. David Jackson, and all the Black educators who have influenced Dr. Stanley's journey and continue to inspire others.