The State of Black Learning

🎊 Celebrating the State of Black Learning 2024 Black Excellence Honorees: Visionaries, trailblazers, and changemakers whose outstanding achievements continue to inspire and shape our world. Thank you for all you do for Black scholars! Tiffany Huff Cicely Jackson-Hanner Tammi McMillan Marshall, Ed.D Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship Carlow University The Urban Academy Shady Lane School Broward College MacDowell Preparatory Academy When She Thrives

Just shy of 2 weeks ago I wrapped up an incredible experience at the State of Black Learning Conference in Pittsburgh, PA! 🎉 It was an absolute honor to speak on "Nurturing Big Dreams: Navigating the Black Student Experience in Today's America." The feedback I received was overwhelmingly positive, and it was truly fulfilling to pour into educators who are making a difference in today's education system. I had the privilege of meeting the wonderful Ms. Joyce Abbott, who shared invaluable knowledge and gave me the reassurance I needed to join the teaching profession. Additionally, I had the chance to speak with Dr. Cornel West and was captivated by his rich history and amazing storytelling. A special thank you to K. Chase Patterson and The State of Black Learning team for organizing this amazing conference—the connections I’ve made and the lessons I’ve learned will stay with me as I continue to grow as a speaker and leader for education equity. A heartfelt thank you to the Jackson State University TRIO Department, especially Dr. Mitchell Shears, Ed.D., and Ms.Tara N. Johnson, M.Ed., for believing and trusting in me as I presented my first national professional development session to educators. To my on-the-ground crew—Dr. Christopher Levy, Ed.D, Ms.Tonjula Scott, Deandre T. Crutcher, Caterra, and Jayla Jones—your support did not go unnoticed, and I am forever grateful. #StateOfBlackLearning #EducationalEquity #BlackExcellence #Advocacy #Leadership #Gratitude #TRIO #JSU

We have to reclaim the art of being reflective practitioners. 🗣️ I can’t stress enough the importance of finding the right balance between control, discipline, and support as an educator. 💯 And if we are honest, we’d acknowledge that there are days when we may not be as supportive due to a student’s behavior. In my experience, there are also educators who provide support without any control, which can lead to a ‘savior complex’. 🤦🏿♂️ We move away from the ‘teacher as savior’ mentality and instead focus on becoming a skilled practitioner, as teaching is an art, craft, and science. 💪🏿 Shoutout to The State of Black Learning for the opportunity to share! 🎤 __ Let’s keep pushing ✊🏿 #blackboyjoy #teacher #principal #speaker #motivationalspeaker #education

Board service has it’s rewards when the fruits of your labor are evident in the quality of leadership and the results. I was pleased to join my board colleagues, our charter authorizer, and school faculty in standing alongside the MacDowell Preparatory Academy Superintendent Dr. Brian Banks, who was recognized as a Black Excellence Honoree during the The State of Black Learning Educator Excellence Awards Gala. Our Board has been intent on steering MPA toward excellence and service to scholars, their families, and our community. Just three years after our decision to become independenty managed, MacDowell has ✅ Increased average daily attendance by 20% and reduced chronic absenteeism among scholars. ✅ Increased academic grade level proficiency by over 30% school wide. This was accomplished by establishing a vision for scholarship and excellence, ensuring the right leadership is at the helm of the school, and empowering them to address the academic gaps, and the socio-emotional needs of scholars. The Family-Community- School partnership has been instrumental in creating the foundation and environment for success. I salute Dr. Banks for his remarkable leadership, and recognition. I commend the entire school community for their dedication and outstanding outcomes. Malcolm X reminds us that Education is the passport to the future for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today! As MacDowell maintains it’s commitment to impacting the trajectory of Detroit Children’s lives, I am confident that this is only the beginning and the best is yet to come! Congratulations to K. Chase Patterson and the State of Black Learning for a successful conference. #LeadershipMatters #BlackExcellence #K12 #Scholarship #ExcellentSchools #GreatSchools #Policy #Advocacy #Joy #Detroit #PublicSchools #CharterSchools #SchoolChoice #Community

We can’t thank The Wilson Group, LLC KW23 enough for supporting our big dreams! Your commitment to our mission and your continuous investment in the State of Black Learning conference have significantly impacted our ability to bring together educators, innovators, and thought leaders from across the field. The insights shared and connections made during the event will undoubtedly continue to advancing education and fostering positive change for young Black learners. #SBL24 #bigdreamin

Thank you, Paige Mitchell for amplifying our work! More here: https://lnkd.in/eP_bJQbj

Several members of the PEDC Backbone Team attended The State of Black Learning Conference in Pittsburgh last week. We were thrilled to catch up with a few of our partners and friends, hear incredible speakers, and meet the inspiration for Abbott Elementary! #PEDC #WeNeedMoreBlackTeachers #AlwaysLearning #Connecting

We kicked off the The State of Black Learning conference on a high note! It was an honor to share BH365 Education mission and how we are shaping The State of Black Learning with nearly 500 attendees. Our inspiring panel opened this year’s conference and featured youth bravely sharing their experiences with Black History and dreams for the future in education. This conference was a resounding success, and we look forward to bullding connections with all the amazing people we met. We were thrilled to bring along two passionate members from our sales team, as well as two of our brilliant board members. Among them was Michelle Neely, Ed.D.明鳳 principal of Katherine Johnson Technology Academy-one of the nation's top K-8 schools and a proud participant in our Adopt A School program. We were also honored to have board member Aleah Rasshan M.S. ED of @endowedascension, who delivered an eye-opening presentation titled "IS THERE DIGNITY IN THE DATA?" SBL 2024 truly exceeded our expectations! We had a blast at the Headshot Happy Hour and wrapped up the week in style at the Black Excellence Gala. As we close out this remarkable event, let's remember Dr. Cornell West's powerful words: our children deserve Eagles, not Peacocks! Together, let's soar in solidarity and make a difference in the world! A huge shoutout to K. Chase Patterson for his exceptional leadership and dedication to this mission. Until next year! #BlackLearning #EducationMatters #EaglesNotPeacocks

Thank you to all who attended the State of Black Learning conference! Your passion, insights, and dedication to advancing best practices for young Black scholars made this event truly special. Together, we’re shaping a brighter future for our learners. We’re grateful for your participation and look forward to continuing this vital work. #stateofblacklearning #communityinaction #SBL24 #educationconference #teachers

We can't let these powerful words go unseen! This morning, the Goss TwinsMedia kicked off day 2 of #SBL24 with a beautiful spoken word and words of encouragement for education stakeholders. Watch to feel inspired and motivated!