Special Edition EducationFIRST
OCTOBER 2021
BOLD LEADERSHIP
BER!
Teen Miss Maryland Earth | Lauren Williams
Page 4
Page 10
1st Class Educator , LLC Page 12
VANDPMAGAZINE.COM
BWEL Page 30
Page 18
Create and Educate, LLC Page 6
Reflective Pages Page 32
Building high-performance entrepreneurs, authors, and career professionals, who are prepared for life's unexpected curveballs.
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VISION & PURPOSE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
CONTENTS EducationFIRST Special Edition
18 4 Black Educators ROCK! CEO, Dr. Melissa Noland Chester 6 Create and Educate, LLC Founders, Dr. Sheka Houston & Mrs. Tammy Taylor 10 Teen Miss Maryland Lauren Williams 12 1st Class Educator CEO, Locha Brooks 14 The Village Leadership Group CEO, Dr. Rosalyn Gaskins
BOLD Leadership Consultants
16 Nylinka School Solutions
CEO and Founder, Desmond Williams
10 Teen Miss Maryland Lauren Williams
30 Black Women Education Leaders Founder and Executive Director, Latrese D. Younger 32 Reflective Pages Founders, Chanita Coulter and Sarah Frayer
22 NC Features Dr. Marcus D. Gause Brian Peay 24 Jasaron Learning Institute CEO, Dr. Shirley P. Auguste 28 Black Girls Teach CEO, Deidra Fogarty
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EducationFirst Special Edition
Editor-In-Chief
Dr. Sharon H. Porter Greetings V&P LifeStyle Magazine readers. Welcome to our new look! I am excited to present the October EducationFIRST Special Edition. This issue introduces you to phenomenal edupreneurs, educational organizations, and students making their mark in the world. We appreciate your readership and continued support. Great changes are in store for V&P LifeStyle Magazine!
PUBLISHER Perfect Time SHP Publishing EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Dr. Sharon H. Porter Layout & Graphic Design SHP Media & Graphics Director of Sales Michelle B. Hauser
The purpose and mission of V&P LifeStyle Magazine is to promote excellence in all aspects of leadership. Innovation. Transformation. Collaboration. Contact
www.vandpmagazine.com info@vandpmagazine.com sales@vandpmagazine.com
@vandpmagazine
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V&P LifeStyle Magazine Special dedication to Donna Harris and Krystal Glenn
Join Our Team We are looking for...
Contributing Writers Content Creators Graphic Designers
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Vision & Purpose LifeStyle Magazine Innovation. Transformation. Collaboration.
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OCTOBER SPECIAL EDITION 2021 V&P MAGAZINE | 3
Dr. Melissa Noland Chester
Black Educators Rock!
lack Educators Rock, Inc.’s (BER) goal is to become a B leading non-profit organization devoted to furthering the academic success of our nation’s minority students. BER Inc. is open to dedicated and innovative educators who are seeking ways to actively close the achievement gap of minority students. Black Educators Rock, Inc. would like to include teachers, administrators, superintendents, corporations, and professional entities that are associated with the field of education.
Dr. Melissa Noland Chester, CEO Dr. Melissa Chester is the Chief Executor Officer for Black Educators Rock, Inc. She has always been committed to serving and impacting the lives of those in our community. Since she was a teenager, she has worked to improve the situations of others through exemplary service. From the start of her service endeavors, she has displayed characteristics of dedication, diligence, passion, and care to the youth in our community. Her goal to positively impact today’s youth is evident in the commitment she displays through her leadership and volunteerism with numerous organizations. Dr. Chester has taught at several universities, including Florida A&M University, Florida State University, Grambling State University, Southern New Hampshire University (online), and the University of North Florida. She co-created several grassroots programs including Positive Proof Mentoring, Project RISE, & Sister Circle, has served as an event coordinator for numerous events including the 1000 Man Rally & the Affordable Care Act enrollment initiatives, has worked with the City of Tallahassee Parks & Recreation, and the national nonprofit, Communities in Schools to create and present numerous programs, seminars, and workshops, and has served on the planning committee for numerous organizations and events. She currently serves on the Community Advisory Team (CAT) for Jacksonville Public Education Fund, is an Adult Mental Health First Aid (AMHFA) Instructor, and has served on the planning committee for Operation Save Our Sons (OSOS). Melissa also assisted former Jacksonville Jaguar Donovin Darius create and run his non-profit organization from 2011 to present. She has also presented numerous seminars and workshops, including but not limited to Increasing Self-Esteem, Character Development, Health and Physical Fitness, Financial Literacy, and High school graduation/college preparation at several middle schools, high schools, non-profit organizations, and on the university level. Dr. Chester received her B.S. degree in Secondary Physical Education & Master’s in Sport Management from Florida A&M University. She earned her doctorate in Sport Management from Florida State University. She is currently a licensed real estate instructor & realtor. She is a native of Florida and is married with two sons.
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Dr. Sheka Houston
Mrs. Tammy Taylor
Create and Educate, LLC Create and Educate, LLC was founded by Sheka Houston and Tammy Taylor, school leaders with 40 years of experience between the two of them and an added bonus of having backgrounds and experiences in business, banking, and real estate. In terms of educational results, the dynamic duo has been involved in charter school start-ups, has instituted nationallyrecognized college and career ready programs and character education programs as school initiatives, has received the South Carolina Palmetto Silver Award for academic growth, moved schools from the Priority and Comprehensive Support and Improvement statuses, won the Palmetto State Arts Education Steam School of Excellence Award and moved schools from the 17th percentile to the 90th percentile in reading on the NWEA MAP assessment. Dr. Sheka Houston is a passionate educator that has the desire to inspire all she comes into contact with to become the very best versions of themselves. As a teacher, Sheka was awarded teacher of the year by her peers. She has spent the last 17 years in public education, 12 of which have been in administration while also serving as the AVID District Director. She has also served as the district facilitator for Title IX and the teacher evaluation protocol. Sheka is a certified grant writer through Research Associates and has received multiple grants to include EIA ($6000.00) PPG ($1500.00) and NetLead Mini-Grant ($1000.00). Sheka has been trained in A Framework for Understanding Poverty, The Ron Clark Educator Training, Single Gender Training, NWEA training, and Culturally Relevancy training. She is a contributing author in the Women Who Lead Anthology which features extraordinary women with extraordinary achievements from all industries and careers. Sheka also serves on the Board of Girls on the Run, Tri-County, South Carolina, serves as a Girl Scout Troop Leader, serves on the Juneteenth Celebration-Chester Committee, and is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Entering the field of education through the alternative certification program, Sheka transitioned into education from the real estate industry where she was a Million Dollar producer after hosting a workshop on self-esteem for a group of young ladies in a local community pageant. Sheka conducted research through Gardner-Webb University to become a Doctor of Education with a concentration on school leadership. Her dissertation topic; Impoverished Schools that are Performing Successfully in South Carolina. How do They Differ from Impoverished Schools that are Underperforming? was inspired by her desire to find solutions for new principals, especially those serving in high poverty areas, to experience success in the area of academic achievement for students. Finally, Sheka is a lead teacher in the elementary Sunday school program at her church where her family actively contributes to ministry. Sheka and her husband of 22 years, Jerry, have two beautiful daughters, Elizabeth and Isabella who are truly her inspirations, as she leads through the lens of a mom. Tammy Taylor is a dedicated educator who has committed her life and career to the service of others. She has spent 23 years as a public educator, serving in a plethora of roles including teaching fourth and first grades respectively, Instructional Coach, Instructional Coordinator, Curriculum Facilitator, Director of Early Childhood and Elementary Education, Director of Title I and Testing, and Director of Accountability and Special Projects. Her most recent role has been her service as an elementary principal. Tammy has served on a variety of committees and boards over her career as an advocate for students and public education. These include First Steps, the Chamber of Commerce, and the South Carolina Association of School and Title I Administrators. She has a strong background in Early Childhood Education, curriculum development, and literacy, and foundational reading skills. Tammy has been trained in the tenets of the national movement to increase reading skills Reading First. She served as a partner teacher and Reading First Initiative team member. Tammy is passionate about teaching and learning and keeps her skills honed through her affiliations with a number of professional organizations. She is a member of the Association for School Curriculum and Development, The National Education Association, The South Carolina Education Association, Kappa Delta Pi, the National Association for Professional Women, and the International Reading Association. Tammy is currently pursuing her Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina. Her passion for validating the experience of the principalship and the impact on students’ achievement, drives her research focus. This research will focus on the leadership experiences of four African American, female principals and their experiences: challenges and successes. Tammy is married to Pastor Keith Taylor. She has worked faithfully to support him in ministry for over two decades. She’s passionate about working with youth and has worked with young ladies to create a sense of value and self-worth through teaching them to understand, accept, and fulfill their purposes in life. She has become known for her work with a youth organization - at their church, Girls All About Purpose (GAAP).
www.createandeducate.solutions OCTOBER SPECIAL EDITION 2021 V&P MAGAZINE | 7
Aspiring Principals' Leadership Academy
For assistant principals, vice principals, and school counselors aspiring to take the helm as principal.
Applications available for the 2022-2023 Cohort beginning January 31, 2022
www.nextinlinetolead/apla
Teen Miss Maryland
Meet Teen Miss Maryland Earth --Lauren Williams Lauren Williams is a 16-year-old theatre student at Duke Ellington School of the Arts from Accokeek, Maryland, in southern Prince George’s County, Maryland. Lauren is a high honors student with a yearly GPA average of 3.8. As a Prince Georges County, Maryland Talented and Gifted Program (TAG) student from 2nd-8th grade, she was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society in 2019 and received the President’s Award the same year. At nine years old, she was enrolled in a local theatre production of Treasure Island and fell in love with the art form. In 6th grade, Lauren auditioned for a performing arts middle school, Benjamin D. Foulois Creative Performing Arts Academy, and attended the school from 2017 through 2019 to further her passion for theatre. In 2018 and 2019, Lauren participated in Prince George’s County’s honors theatre ensemble. She collaborated with other theatre students across the county to devise performances for Prince George’s County Public Schools. There she learned the positive impact arts integrations have on students of all ages. Lauren was soon later accepted into Duke Ellington School for the Arts. She is currently an 11th-grade theatre student working towards her dream of becoming a professional actress at a regional theatre company, producer of a television show, and director of a major motion film.
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Lauren says, “myself and many of my peers have felt a shift in more mental health and emotional well being.” She was encouraged to create an independent youth collaborative magazine titled Rainy Daze. As Editor-In-Chief, Lauren promotes activism and individuality through art-based expression. Rainy Daze Magazine provides a space for young artists to find their voice through “a wide range of topics from art, to activism. Submissions are always open”. In March 2021, Lauren found the Miss Gorgeous Prince George’s County Pageant. She trained for three months to compete in their teen pageant program, and on June 13, she was crowned the 3rd Miss Gorgeous Prince George’s County. With her title, she advocates for arts integration in schools. Lauren now works with Showtime Productions, LLC to promote the importance of confidence and finding inner beauty to young girls across Prince George’s County. While stressing the importance of prioritizing school. As 2021 Miss Gorgeous Prince George’s County, Lauren was given the opportunity to represent Prince George’s County at the Miss Earth USA Dc, Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania preliminary competition. The Miss Earth USA organization “commit themselves year-round to bring awareness to and make an impact on environmental causes.” On August 14th, she became Teen Miss Maryland Earth 2021. As Teen Miss Maryland Earth, Lauren used her title to share her platform, Watercolor: advocate for water sanitation and hygiene. Lauren wants everyone to know, “Water Borne diseases are the number one cause of death among children under the age of five years old.” She says, “I want to teach young kids the importance of reducing pollution because it directly impacts our water, the number one thing we need to survive. If we work together clean water can be accessible for everyone”. Lauren will be competing in the Teen division Miss Earth USA National competition and will be the first African American to represent Maryland in the teen competition. She plans on continuing pageantry and works to one day hold an international title.
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Locha Brooks
1st Class Educator
Locha Brooks, of Dallas, TX, is the CEO of 1st Class Educator, LLC. Locha focuses on cultural competency and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in education creating programs, Professional Development series, and community partners. Locha received her Bachelor's degree in English from Harris-Stowe State University, a Master's degree in Education Administration from Lindenwood University, and completed post-graduate work at Harvard University in the Women In Educational Leadership program. Outside of educating leaders, Locha loves spending time with her children Pharoah and Sire traveling the world.
1st Class Educator helps the organizations reach their full potential. They offer educational consulting, via onsite or digital visits with school administrative teams and district-level officials involved in the decision-making process. This meeting is an in-depth discussion of the concerns of the district regarding the goals and objectives that are desired to be met. They provide an extensive assessment of your school district and facilities. This service includes a thorough review of the curriculum and school data, a campus walkthrough of facilities, interviewing administrative staff, faculty, and community members, and assessing English department bookrooms.
In addition, clients receive a comprehensive review of all data that is relevant to our initiatives and scope of work. This includes climate surveys, student surveys, testing data, special education program protocol, gifted education program selection requirements and participant data, high school and middle school course catalogs, and other information as needed. When asked what she found most rewarding in the field of education, she responded that it is ever-evolving and it is the driving force of social change. As the world continues to thrive being a part of the field of education gives her an advantage when it comes to advances in information, technology, and industry innovations. She finds the lifelong connections to be just as rewarding. "Anything less than a conscious commitment to the important is an unconscious commitment to the unimportant" - Stephen Covey
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Dr. Rosalynn Gaskins
Dr. Roz Gaskins began her career as an elementary school teacher in a large urban school district in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Early on, she knew that she wanted to devote her career improving teaching and learning within urban schools. As department chair and teacher leader, she often led professional developments focused on cooperative learning, character education, and differentiating instruction. During her years leading in the school system, she served as instructional coach, instructional lead teacher and grade-level administrator. As an instructional leader, she led teacher teams to utilize data to increase student achievement within Title I and turnaround schools. Dr. Roz earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Morgan State University, Master of Science degree in Curriculum and Instruction (Administration) from McDaniel College, and an Educational Doctorate in Instructional Leadership from Argosy University. Her research focused on the role of instructional coaches within professional learning communities. Dr. Gaskins continues to collaborate with teachers and school leaders as the CEO and founder of The Village Leadership Group, LLC. She is committed to utilizing her skills and knowledge of instructional leadership, professional learning communities, and data inquiry to transform the learning culture of schools. The Village Leadership Group is a professional learning community with the mindset of "iron sharpens iron". We use our network of leaders, of all backgrounds, to help teacher leaders sharpen their skill set and reach their goals. Networking Events The Village Leadership Group believes in the power of networking. It’s all about who you know! Great leaders value networking and supporting other leaders. The Village Leadership Group provides opportunities for leaders to share best practices, lessons learned, and strategies for success. Leadership Coaching The Village Leadership Group has partnered with certified coaches who support leaders from all industries: school, business, government, health, and fitness, etc. Their coaches are trained to identify your strengths to create a personal coaching plan, focused on your unique gifts and talents. Professional Learning Communities The Village Leadership Group is a professional learning community (PLC). Their motto is “iron sharpens iron” and they invite you to help strengthen their village. Join “The Village” as we learn, problem-solve, create, and grow as leaders in our field.
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Desmond Williams
Desmond Williams is a career teacher, principal, author, and thought leader. The only things he wanted to do growing up were design Transformers and be a sitcom writer. After having many teachers tell him those dreams were silly, he decided he wanted to teach because he knew children deserved better. He spent his career serving as a special educator, classroom teacher, and school administrator. He received his bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Howard University in Washington, DC, and later received his master’s degree in Education and Human Development from George Washington University. He started his teaching career in DCPS as a special educator. He subsequently moved and became a special education coordinator because of his business acumen and understanding of children with special needs. He then ventured into school-based administration. He boasts many career accomplishments, but his biggest is creating pathways of success for disenfranchised communities. Desmond has spoken at multiple conferences across the country offering his expertise and insight in engaging inner-city students. He has worked with several independent schools and school districts. His passion is educating boys of color. Desmond contends, “They are the most marginalized and are in need of the most help. Teachers that serve them, tend to be the teachers that are in need of the most support.” Desmond served six (6) years at an all-boys school in Washington DC, teaching four (4) years and serving as an administrator for two (2) more years. He says, “It had always been a goal to help other educators increase the level of engagement and investment in boys of color. That is why I launched Nylinka School Solutions. I wanted to leverage my experience and expertise to aid as many schools as possible. Our goal is to help children achieve their dreams by maximizing teacher skill and talent one solution at a time.”
Photo Courtesy of DaKara Spence
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"Public education requires bold leaders to design learning that is student-centered, systemic personalized learning that builds ownership of learning of all ages. - BOLD Leadership Consultants BOLD Leadership Consultants offer the comprehensive capabilities and deep industry knowledge necessary to fundamentally redesign educational structures and help you solve the most complex issues of your organizations. OCTOBER
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BOLD Leadership Consultants Building Organizational Leadership & Development BOLD Leadership Consultants, LLC is a collaborative group of school leaders that successfully lead educational institutions aimed at ensuring students reach proficiency of academic content while learning how to think critically and creatively, collaborate and communicate effectively and adapt to challenges and complex problems. BOLD Leadership Consultants had the pleasure of being guests of Pastors John and Aventer Gray with Relentless Church, in Greenville, SC during a worship service in September. From this visit, Damon Qualls, stated "Your recognition of educators and the services we provide daily, is a true testament to your ministry and the diverse needs of this community we all love." BOLD Consultants are as follow: Damon Qualls, Dr. Carlos Grant, Dr. Edward Anderson, Edgar Henson, Leonard Galloway, Christopher McCants, Corey Collington, and Farrell Thomas.
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In addition to the BOLD Consultants, the organization has BOLD Allies, and Affinity Groups. BOLD Allies are individuals who have a common interest with those the organization desires to help. The affinity groups are intended to bring people together over a commonality. One of the affinity groups offered is Battle Buddies, which serves exclusively to create a safe space for people who may not feel safe in the larger community because they are in the numerical minority. During the affinity group meetings, group members share freely and without inhibition about their experiences. Black male educational leaders can be a part of Battle Buddies by direct referral from a BOLD Leadership Consultant or Battle Buddies Officer.
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BOLD Leadership Consultants
Damon Qualls
Dr. Carlos Grant
Edgar Henson
Leonard Galloway
Corey Collington
Dr. Edward Anderson
Christopher McCants
Farrell Thomas
NCFeature Supply, NC
Dr. Marcus D. Gause Dr. Marcus D. Gause was born and raised in the rural coastal town of Supply, North Carolina. His mother Evelyn Gause and father, the late Steve Gause taught him the importance of hard work and the power of education. He is the middle child of seven children but has always marched to the beat of his own drum. Dr. Gause currently resides in Jamestown, North Carolina with his beautiful wife Attorney Tomakio Gause, and daughter Alexandria and son Aiden.
Educationally, he holds a Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Systems and a Master’s degree in Industrial Technology from North Carolina A&T State University. His passion for education led him to obtain a Master’s degree in School Administration from UNC ChapelHill and most recently the issuance of his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from High Point University. Dr. Gause is a public-school principal in North Carolina and prides himself on being a lifelong learner. In his spare time, he consults, trains and mentors principals and aspiring leaders through his work with the North Carolina Principal’s and Assistant Principal's Association. In 2021, as the world was beginning to see signs of recovery from the global COVID-19 pandemic, Gause serenaded his graduating seniors when he sang, "I Will Always Love You” by Dolly Parton. His video went viral and has received international coverage for the public expression of love he has for his students. As a man of faith, his love for people has allowed this small-town boy to achieve some big city dreams. He is committed to making love win in all situations because love truly makes the difference! #LoveWinsAgain
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NCFeature Charlotte, NC
Brian Peay Brian Peay is a Native Carolinian who makes moves empowering others in the community. He is a recognized sales professional where he builds relationships, educates, and ensures business owners have the right products and equipment while identifying voids to help cultivate increasing profitability.
Additionally, he has served on the Mecklenburg County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, recognized in Who’s Who in Black Charlotte and founded the Nonprofit 501c3 pending, Another Level Charlotte. His organization produces educational platforms primarily in underserved communities for individuals seeking progress, growth and increase in their Relationship, Small Business, Career or Personal Life. He also speaks on how to overcome obstacles and embrace change to achieve personal growth. Brian says nothing can be finer than to live in Carolina but get you can out of life because life will get all it can out of you. He resides in Charlotte and loves making memories traveling with his family as often as they can.
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Dr. Shirley P. Auguste
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Dr. Shirley P. Auguste is the founder of Jasaron Learning Institute, LLC in Chesapeake, VA, an international motivational speaker, published author, educator/trainer, former PreK to 8th-grade administrator, and single mother of two amazing young adults. She started her teaching career as a teacher’s assistant and worked her way up to become a principal. After over twentyeight years in the education system, she decided to leave the education system and open the learning center. She has a record of helping students/learners succeed academically through hard work and perseverance. She is a huge believer in the “Growth Mindset” and that all learners can be successful with the support, strategies, structure, and a nurturing word-rich environment. She is and has been a teacher mentor, published author, trainer, and life coach. Her passion is to change the world through education, empowering others, teaching, and spreading the power of love. She is a firm believer that it is possible to overcome hate and disunity through prayer and treating others the way one would want to be treated. Everyone is different and must learn to respect and embrace each other’s differences.
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WOMEN WHO LEAD ANTHOLOGY
Featuring
Dr. Sheka Houston Mrs. Tammy Taylor Mrs. Jewel Sanders Ms. Shawaan Robinson Mrs. Kristina Pollard Dr. Alana D. Murray Ms. Trelane Clark Dr. L. Jackie Tobias Dr. Alicia Maphies Foreword by Dr. Kendra D. March
Visionary: Dr. Sharon H. Porter
www.womenwholeadanthology.com
Deidra Fogarty, M.Ed.
Deidra Fogarty is a native of Bridgeport, Connecticut, and is currently an Educator, Literacy Consultant, and Entrepreneur. Deidra has worked in education for over a decade in various capacities. Her natural leadership ability allowed her to venture into leadership positions in the Washington Metropolitan area. After a decade of working in education and frustration with the current state of it, Deidra decided to make a pivot in her career entering back into the classroom as a teacher. Deidra used this as an opportunity to develop her teacher craft by working with students who needed the most academic support. With her new setting and role, came a happier mindset, thus allowing her to use her time to focus on her other passions such as diverse children’s literature, supporting teachers, providing resources literacy to parents, and bringing awareness to current issues in Urban Education. She, along with her sister, launched a successful subscription service called WAM! Book Bundle where she provides a selection of diverse children’s books to parents and educators each month. Through all of her ventures, Deidra realized that there was a void in Urban Education. Along her journey, there was never a support system, community, or outlet for Black women in Education, besides her own educator friends. She knew that women like herself often felt isolated and frustrated with not being able to share their thoughts about Education and their role in it, unapologetically. She wanted to create a community where other Black women working in Education could discuss topics, get advice, share best practices, and connect with one another. She wanted to create a way for more people to see and hear the perspective of Black women working in Education. Black Girls Teach was the solution.
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Mrs. Latrese D. Younger
Latrese D. Younger Founder and Executive Director Latrese D. Younger has over thirteen years of education experience across several different school districts. She began her journey as an English Language Arts teacher in Dinwiddie County, VA, which she credits with firming her foundation in education excellence. Throughout her career, she has taught ELA for grades 6-12. She possesses a Bachelor of Arts in English Education from Virginia State University and a Master of Educational Leadership with a concentration in Technology Education from Strayer University Henrico Campus. Latrese is a writer, a web curator for the Virginia Teachers of English (VATE) social media sites, and founder of the non-profit, BWEL, Inc. (Black Women Education Leaders). As an educator, she has also been privileged to serve in several leadership capacities such as Effective School-Wide Discipline Incentive Coordinator, School Newsletter Advisor, Teacher Appreciation Committee Chair, Mentorship Director, Administrative Intern, District-Wide Professional Development Presenter, In-Service PD Coach, Cooperating Teacher of a Practicum Student, District Representative at a fall Virginia Department of EducationELA conference, and ELA curriculum writing partner for two districts. In 2016, Mrs. Younger served as Director of Achievement in Literacy with Catapult Learning, Inc. In 2017, she accepted the role as an Instruction Assessment and Data Analysis Specialist with Richmond City Public Schools. She was shortly after promoted to serve as one of three Assistant Principals at Elkhardt-Thompson Middle School in 2017. Mrs. Younger currently serves the students of Culpeper Middle as an Assistant Principal, where she has been since the fall of 2018. She believes that the perfect recipe for teachers is a wonderful blend of empathy, resolve, content knowledge, and passion for students. Her work is driven by the virtuous quote: “Intelligence, plus character…that is the goal of true education”- Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. She believes that her role is to serve and attributes that to her active membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and her undying faith in Christ. She lives in Caroline County, VA with her husband, son, and English bulldog. BWEL is an organization whose mission is to bring together individuals to address issues related primarily to the concerns, interests, advancement, accomplishments, and special contributions of Black women in or aspiring to educational leadership. To accomplish this purpose BWEL engages in conferences and workshops, electronic communication, networking, and research. BWEL aims to reach (but is not limited to) primarily Black women in education, pre-school through university, including faculty, administration, staff, and degree candidates.
National President: Dr. LaTonya Sibley | National Vice President: Trelane Clark
National Treasurer: Cynthia Mewborn | National Secretary: Dr. Sharon H. Porter OCTOBER 2021 SPECIAL EDITION V&P MAGAZINE | 31
Dr. Taiwanna De'Shone Anthony
DR. TAIWANNA DE'SHONE ANTHONY Dr. Anthony is originally from Natchez, Louisiana. She attended and graduated from Natchitoches Central High School. Prior to completing high school, Dr. Anthony was selected to participate in the HCOP preparatory college program at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Upon completion of high school, Dr. Anthony enrolled in Northwestern State University where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Work and a Master of Education with a minor in Educational Technology Administration. In between that time, Dr. Anthony enrolled in Southern Methodist University to pursue a certification in Spanish. In tandem with SMU, Dr, Anthony also studied Spanish at the Instituto de Mexico. Dr. Anthony also attended Texas A&M University to obtain her Education Administration certification. Dr. Anthony pursued her Doctor of Philosophy degree from Prairie View A&M University where she majored in Educational Leadership and Counseling with a minor in Human Resources and a concentration in Education Administration. Dr. Anthony began her career as a clinical social worker with Pleasant Hill Rehabilitation Hospital in Pleasant Hill Louisiana, and the Salvation Army in Dallas, Texas. She began her career in education with Red River Parish School District, where she taught second grade. She also taught reading and computer technology with Dallas Independent School District, from there she taught Computer technology and a reading/ test prep class in the District of Columbia Public Schools. In addition, she taught all levels of history and computer technology for the Maryland State Department of Education. Dr. Anthony currently instructs students in an urban school district right outside of the District of Columbia. Dr. Anthony has served as an educational consultant, a panelist at numerous education forums, a community activist, media correspondent with IBMTV and has served as a special guest across various media platforms. She has authored numerous peer reviewed scholarly articles and developed a strategic mentoring process known as “eMentoring”. She has written numerous children’s books and served as an independent reviewer for the Merlot Journal of Online Learning and Teaching. Dr. Anthony is currently in the process of publishing two more children’s books and her personal memoir; “Beauty and Brainz: A Blessing and A Curse”. OCTOBER 2021 SPECIAL EDITION V&P MAGAZINE | 33
Chanita Coulter
Sarah Fryer
Founded in June 2020 by Chanita Coulter and Sarah Frayer, Reflective Pages was created to serve as a resource for schools, educators and organizations to provide access to multicultural literature and curricula. Reflective Pages believe that by providing children with diverse text and personalized instruction we are able to engage their interest in reading, self pride and academic success. Their customized professional development services include workshops, training ,and program design to increase student engagement and achievement. Chanita Coulter is a mother, wife and education consultant with over 10 years experience in the field of education. She is an avid reader and encourages others to do so through her social media platform @the.lazy.bookworm. She encourages her students to be innovative in thought, adhering to the George Washington Carver quote “When you do the uncommon things in life in an uncommon way, you command the attention of the world.” Sarah Frayer is an award winning teacher, education consultant, and public speaker with over 10 years experience as a teacher, lead summer school curriculum developer, team lead and instructional coach. She believes every child has the mind to learn and power to succeed and vows to continue to light the fire in every student she comes in contact with on her journey in education. Learn more about Reflective Pages at https://www.reflectivepages.com/
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
INSPIRATION AND REFLECTIONS FOR THE SCHOOL LEADER
Dr. Kristilynn Turney www.drkristilynnturney.com
Visionary Author
www.womenwholeadanthology.com
