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BLACK EDUCATORS IN COLORADO A M Y B L A C K C O L O R A D O M O N T H LY M A G A Z I N E VO L UM E 3 / IS S UE 5
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PPCC is the largest, most diverse college in the Pikes Peak region and remains committed to building a community where everyone belongs, and everyone succeeds.
The Dakota Promise - This offers free tuition and coaching to every graduate with a C average or better from Harrison School District 2, our region’s most diverse and financially challenged.
Through hiring practices, diversity trainings, student affinity groups, and events, we provide opportunities to explore and experience a broad range of cultures and ideas.
We’re also offering free textbooks for the 2021/22 academic year, $500 class prep assistance, and more scholarships than ever.
New initiatives we’re proud of: The Empathy Project - Using virtual reality technology, our law enforcement academy teaches future officers empathy, putting them in the shoes of their suspects.
PPCC doesn’t just talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion. We walk it, every day, helping students turn their dreams into fruitful futures.
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Featured Educators
Pikes Peak Community College MI CHE L LE T HOM PS O N
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D R . R EG I N A L EW I S
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ANI TA THOM P S ON
a Fa m i ly A ffa i r For the Lewis/Thompson family, attending and teaching at PPCC has become a family affair. Dr. Regina Lewis serves as chair of the college’s Communication Department as well as special assistant to the president for academic excellence and inclusion. “I’m a product of Pikes Peak Community College as I went as a non-traditional student while raising my son as a single parent,” she says. “While at PPCC, I had tremendous support, from my academic advisors to my teachers, to my peers. But my true driving force was my mother, as she, too went to Pikes Peak Community College.”
“Yes,” her mother, Anita Thompson said beside her. “I did return to Pikes Peak Community College at age 50, and I became an elementary school teacher (as well as a PPCC professor.) “I’m also a product of Pikes Peak Community College,” says Michelle Thompson, the smiling woman to Regina’s right. “Imagine how thrilled I was when my sister, Dr. Regina Lewis, walked across the stage and handed me my degree. I am currently a teacher at Pikes Peak Community College, along with my sister and my mother.”
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SPONSORS Educators edition
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PI L LA R S P ONS ORS Cultural Office Of The Pikes Peak Region culturaloffice.org 719-634-2204 Caleb Dickerson Louisville Rising louisvillerising.org Patricia Kessack Eastern Colorado Bank YourFriendlyBank.com 719-258-7133 Pg . 4 | MyB l ack Col orado. com/ E d u ca ti on
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A Love That Never Fails We often worry that we don’t have enough resources in our community to go around. When we see someone in our community doing what we do but better, we get a little nervous or intimidated. Instead of using competition to spur on our creativity, teamwork, work ethic and innovation, we become soo overwhelmed with our own fears and insecurities that we gossip, sabotage, or hurt one another. This has happened to many exceptional people in our community. We need to do better and lead by example. Our love for each other needs to be greater than our fear of failure. If we had to simplify into one word what My Black Colorado
is about, it would be LOVE! Because love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. When people come in contact with our brand, that’s what I want them to experience. It‘s not an easy aspiration to live up to, but we believe it‘s worth fighting for and it‘s what we need as a community. M yB l a ckCo l o r a d o. co m / E d u ca ti o n | P g. 5
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More Information at PikesPeakSBDC.org
Congrats to Dr. Tiko Hardy for being Selected by the Pikes Peak Small business development Center as a premier educator in Colorado SPrings.
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DR. TIKO HARDY | LAC, LCSW, PSYD
CHIEF DIVERSITY OFFICER (CDO) AND AN ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF SOCIAL WORK AT PIKES PEAK COMMUNITY COLLEGE (PPCC) TIKO.HARDY@PPCC.EDU
INTERVIEW Why do you think education is important?
I was raised in the inner city, we lived in extreme poverty, and my family regularly dealt with food and housing insecurity. I attended public schools that were often poorly funded and under-resourced. After several failed attempts at high school, I dropped out and got my GED. I later enrolled in a community college and that decision changed my life, taking me on an educational journey, from GED to Doctorate degree. When I think about my journey, becoming an educator was never a goal of mine but it has become one of my greatest accomplishments. I now believe that becoming an educator is one of the most powerful and meaningful ways to make an impact. I had many educators that were cheering me on and without each of them walking in their purpose, I would have failed. They convinced me that being resilient and overcoming so many obstacles in life, was my greatest strength.
I was a first-generation student and attending community college, helped me to change the trajectory of my life. I believe that education is important because it can provide access to various opportunities to include helping individuals to create a plan for improving their social and economic mobility. I had a lot of learning challenges, but I learned how to combine my street smarts with books smarts. What is the best advice you have received about impacting the education sector? The best advice that I received was to use my struggles, to fuel my future. My grandmother used to say that where there is a “will” there is a “way” so I tell my students to eliminate any excuse that prevents them from breaking through barriers, I compel them to find a way--they may have to go over, under, or around the barrier but regardless, they must get to the other side. What advice would you give to the younger generation about their education? Be an active participant in your education, have high expectations, and hold yourself accountable to be the best version of yourself, regardless of those around you---sometimes you may feel like “…an island of excellence, in an ocean of mediocrity” and that is okay. M yB l a ckCo l o r a d o. co m / E d u ca ti o n | P g. 7
DR. ELMER HARRIS
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AT METROPOLITAN STATE UNIVERSITY OF DENVER. EHARRI44@MSUDENVER.EDU
“I want our young and not-so-young men to seriously consider teaching as a profession.” -Dr. Elmer Harris
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Feature Educator INTERVIEW How long have you been in education? The 2021-2022 school year will mark my 12th year as an educator. I started as a paraeducator/aide in an early childhood program in 2009 after retiring from the US Air Force, taught at various grade levels as an elementary teacher and now I prepare those who aspire to lead their own early childhood and elementary classrooms. What do you think are the top 3 things that help create a healthy learning environment? Connections, purpose and empowerment. Students at every level thrive in environments where they feel a connection with the person leading those environments and their peers. When you ask adults to identify a favorite teacher at any point in their youth, most will specify an individual where there was a connection that wasn’t necessarily tied to an academic topic. Students might forget the content but will always remember how certain teachers made them feel. Purpose in learning environments results from students understanding the “why” in their efforts. Students work hard, including time outside of normal class hours. It shows respect and makes sense to adequately explain why their efforts are necessary. Empowering students to become active stakeholders in all aspects of their educational experience is one of the most effective tools educators can use to build and maintain
productive and enthusiastic learning environments. Demonstrating and encouraging students to provide input on how and what they learn, even in young children, develops leadership and advocacy skills that’ll serve them extremely well as youth and adults. As a black man, what obstacles have you overcome, or are you overcoming to excel in education? As a classroom teacher, the biggest obstacle was dealing with individuals who felt threatened by my outspokenness when it came to ensuring children, particularly children of color, were advocates and had the opportunity to express themselves in a way that honored and celebrated who they were. The current rush by some states to enact laws that attempt to ban accurate teaching about our country’s racial history and its impact demonstrates the lengths others will go when they feel threatened by the truth. In my case, it was repeated anonymous complaints to human resources about the content I taught. Nevertheless, I also learned that remaining focused on what truly mattered (students) always produced winning outcomes. That perspective has resulted in opportunities to work at the national level with the US Department of education and being recruited for various jobs in education that I loved, including my current position at MSU Denver.
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ERIKA TUNSON
PRINCIPAL AT MONTEREY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN HARRISON SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 ETUNSON@HSD2.ORG
I love inspiring teachers to continue to grow in their craft to make the greatest impact for our students. -Erika Tunson
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Feature Educator INTERVIEW The 2021-22 School year will be my twenty-seventh year in education. What do you love most about your role in education? As a principal, I love the opportunity to create a school environment in which students are encouraged and nurtured to reach high levels of academic and social-emotional success. What is the best advice you have received about impacting the education sector?
families, the community, lawmakers or society. Being optimistic helps educators remember that what we do makes a difference and it is the driving force for continuing to find ways to make education better. Once an educator loses optimism, it is difficult to remain effective. What advice would you give to the younger generation about their education?
The best advice I have been given about impacting the education sector has been to remember that everything we do is about students. Students are our focus and educating our students is what we are hired to do. Some of our decisions may make adults uncomfortable but if it is in the best interest of students, then it is the best decision.
The advice I would give the younger generation about their education would be to be an active participant in your education. Don’t let education happen to you, let it happen with you. Be an advocate for yourself and what you need. Be inquisitive and challenge ideas. Be involved and be a part of the solution when your education is not working for you. Be open to new ideas and challenge yourself to explore areas that are not in your comfort zone because you may stumble upon your passion.
What do you think is the most important quality in an educator? Please Explain.
As a back woman, what obstacles have you overcome, or are you overcoming to excel in education?
Optimism is the most important quality in an educator. Most people would probably say the love of students or the love of learning but being optimistic is the vehicle for the love of students and the love of learning. Optimism is hopefulness and confidence about the future and the belief in a successful outcome. Educators face a lot of negative influences, whether it be from students,
As a black person, I have had to prove myself and be not just good but great at what I do. In a system that is not predominately black, I never wanted anyone to think I got a job or received an honor just because I was black. I have had to work harder and let my work speak for me so everyone knows it is my experience and expertise that has propelled me, not my skin color. M yB l a ckCo l o r a d o. co m / E d u ca ti o n | P g. 1 1
JAMIL BROWN, MAJ, USSF FELLOW & POLITICAL SCIENCE INSTRUCTOR INSTITUTE FOR FUTURE CONFLICT, USAFA JAMIL.BROWN@AFACADEMY.AF.EDU
“I have used these challenges as an opportunity for growth rather than an obstacle that must be overcome.” -Major Jamil Brown Pg . 12 | MyBl ack Col orado. com/ E d u ca ti on
Feature Educator INTERVIEW What do you love most about your role in education? I love interacting with students. I learn so much from them and my goal is they learn some from me, as well. I also really enjoy learning from and interacting with other faculty members. The students and staff at the Air Force Academy have a lot of great experiences and ideas. There is never a dull moment. What is the best advice you have received about impacting the education sector? The importance of engaging the students in AND outside the classroom. The students have to be interested in the material and also be accountable. Additionally, our role as educators is to lead as much as it is to instruct. What do you think are the top 3 things that help create a healthy learning environment? My top 3 things are: 1) Encouraging credible, open, and respectful communication 2) Promoting experiential learning 3) Reminding peers and students that many challenges / problems will require an interdisciplinary solution. What do you think is the most important quality in an educator? An open mind – As educators sometimes we get in a rut and fail to jump into a deliberate education /develop-
ment plan. We must seek to learn from our peers and students. This ensures the course content and our pedagogical practices are current / up to date. What advice would you give to the younger generation about their education? Be demanding customers of your education!! If you feel as though you do not understand something or want to learn more about something, go out there and seek it. Be hungry for knowledge. What encouragement would you give to those who are interested in being in education? The education industry is a tough community but is also very rewarding. Be prepared to receive little credit for what you do. Find your “why” and remember it during the good days and bad. As a Black man, what obstacles have you overcome, or are you overcoming to excel in education? As with any community, there are challenges. My personal experiences have spanned everything from not understanding the material to not knowing how to get along with others. However, I have always tried to keep an open mind and encouraged open / respectful communication. As a result, I have used these challenges as an opportunity for growth rather than an obstacle that must be overcome. M yB l a ckCol o r a d o. co m / E d u ca ti o n | P g. 1 3
SI’MONA JOHNSON
TEACHER ON SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT. I DEAN OF STUDENTS AT FRENCH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN WIDEFIELD SCHOOL DISTRICT 3
“I love inspiring teachers to continue to grow in their craft to make the greatest impact for our students.” Pg . 14 | MyBl ack Col orado. com/ E d u ca ti on
Feature Educator INTERVIEW How long have you been in education? 19 years
is teaching as well as the compassion to put the needs of children first. A teacher cannot be successful without these dual qualities working in unison.
What is the best advice you have received about impacting the education sector?
What advice would you give to the younger generation about their education?
Keep my head up and stay positive no matter what hurdle may come my way. I have definitely had a lot obstacles, so I have to keep that advise in mind daily in order not to become discouraged.
It is never to early to start thinking about your future! The earlier you start the better!
What do you think are the top 3 things that help create a healthy learning environment? 1. The teacher being able to reach students and motivate them to become the best version of themselves . 2. Making the community to be a part of the process by encouraging them to be involved in the education process and investing in the students’ success. 3. Providing kids with a safe space so they feel comfortable to engage in learning and explore new concepts without being judged. What do you think is the most important quality in an educator? I think an educator has to have the heart for teaching. Not everyone is cut out to be in this profession. One needs the knowledge of the content he or she
What encouragement would you give to those who are interested in being in education? Don’t ever give up on your dream no matter how hard it may get! As a Black Person, what obstacles have you overcome, or are you overcoming to excel in education? Being a young women of color trying to move into administration has been an extreme challenge. I have always had to go many extra miles to get where I am now, and it still isn’t easy. While my well-documented skills and achievements may have been enough for other people, I often find I have to meet a higher standard of proof before my opinions are validated. Unfortunately that sometimes takes the form of staff going against my advise and being proven wrong before trying what I suggested in the first place.
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ANTHONY WILLIAMS
5TH GRADE TEACHER AT WILDFLOWER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN HARRISON SCHOOL DISTRICT 2
“Education is the most powerful weapon to change the world” -Nelson Mandela. Pg . 16 | MyBl ack Col orado. com/ E d u ca ti on
Feature Educator INTERVIEW What do you think are the top 3 things that help create a healthy learning environment? Building positive relationships, setting realistic and ambitious goals, and making the learning relevant. I am a firm believer in building strong relationships with your students. If they know you care about their lives beyond the classroom, you will have more buy in from them academically. My favorite quote I revisit throughout each school year is by Theodore Roosevelt, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Setting realistic and ambitious goals also creates a healthy learning environment because it allows students to take control of their learning. I can encourage them as much as I want but the learning does not become meaningful until they learn to take control of their own academic journey. Students feel encouraged and motivated when they can see their progress as well as their achievements. The last thing I believe helps when creating a healthy learning environment is making the learning relevant to the students. If you can teach your content in a way that allows your students to make real life connections and understand how they will be able to apply what they’ve learned in their daily lives, then that’s a win. What do you think is the most important quality in an educator? Adaptability is the most important qual-
ity in a teacher. Being able to adapt is an asset that all teachers should possess. Every school year, we will face a new set of opportunities. Let us use the 20202021 school year as an example. Last year, each teacher had to adapt and be able to be more proficient with technology in order to be effective in teaching our scholars in person and remotely. Additionally, in our daily lessons, teachers must be able to notice when students are struggling and adapt our lesson to better serve the needs of all students. What encouragement would you give to those who are interested in being in education? you are needed! Children always need a champion, BE THAT CHAMPION! As a black man, what obstacles have you overcome, or are you overcoming to excel in education? I have been blessed with support throughout my personal journey in education. No matter what difficult obstacles I encountered, I had the guiding support of family, friends, and coaches to help along the way. Looking back, I realize the amount of guidance I received attributes greatly to the educator I am today. It is important to me to be that support for my students and athletes I coach so that hopefully I can provide them the same help I received. Teaching in the same District I grew up in, allows me that opportunity! M yB l a ckCol o r a d o. co m / E d u ca ti o n | P g. 1 7
ANNIE PELT
KINDERGARTEN TEACHER AT ADAMS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COLORADO SPRINGS SCHOOL DISTRICT 11
“Without a challenge, there could not ever be a champion” -Annie Gail Pelt
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Feature Educator INTERVIEW
I have been in education over 30 years. I am kindergarten teacher but my role has many faces (teacher, mentor, character building, counselor, role model). My main focus is to be a positive influence on students and to inspire them to want to come to school ready to learn! Knowledge is power! If you want to live a comfortable life and excel in the real world, then education is Key. People get paid for what they know and not for what they don’t know. Education provides structure. What do you think are the top 3 things that help create a healthy learning environment? Aside from the traditional physical look of the classroom I think these factors are important. 1. Positive environment, I let my students know that I adore them and I constantly tell them throughout the day. The feeling of acceptance and the power of community helps especially where bullying and other problems are so prevalent. 2. Respectful Environment I begin each year with a social contract that is student driven where guidelines and procedures are established. 3. We all sign it and refer to it during the year. I give students genuine praise, and more praise and then some, for respecting our contract.
4. Thinking and learning environment: I love setting up our classroom and seeing the activities in place that push students learning capabilities. The learning centers are engaging, interactive and are differentiated with strategies for all learners. I absolutely love incorporating music and dance parties throughout the day. I use music and dance to get wiggles out and transitions into new activities. What encouragement would you give to those who are interested in being in education? If they want a career that is rewarding and gratifying, then teaching is a good fit for them. Teaching makes a difference, with visible results As a black woman, what obstacles have you overcome, or are you overcoming to excel in education? I definitely haven’t had it easy, nor has it been fair in some cases when it came to competing for a position. However, I’m thankful for my high Honors Degree and the preparation that I have worked hard for. I am absolutely in place where I’m confident in knowing that I’m qualified for any position that I seek. Is there anything else you would like to share? Yes, Teaching is a Joy! I love my Job!!
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TONYA CRAWLEY
SPECIAL EDUCATION COLORADO SPRINGS SCHOOL DISTRICT 11
“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” -Albert Einstein
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Feature Educator INTERVIEW What do you think is the most important quality in an educator? The best teachers are passionate about their subject matter and more importantly their students. A healthy learning environment requires classroom management, respect, and developing relationships with your students. What I love most about being a special education teacher is helping students discover their gifts. Often times too much of the focus are on their deficits. While it is important to help them where they are weak building them up and supporting their strengths is equally as important. There is nothing like seeing a students confidence grow. I stress to my students that my job is to teach them how to think. Then they will be able to find/ discover the answer on their own. It’s also ok for you to not know all the answers and be comfortable admitted that to your students. What encouragement would you give to those who are interested in being in education? My advice to someone interested in joining the education field is to prepare for your class and students ahead of time. Use your planning time wisely and try not to take projects, grading, etc. home, find some commonality with each student, make positive phone calls home, never listen to another teacher’s opinion of a student- they deserve a fresh start and so much growth happens over the summer. Understand
that we all learn differently and present material in a variety of ways. Make sure your classroom is a safe space where students feel comfortable sharing and being their true selves. Guard yourself against burnout and find a good mentor. Finally enjoy your summers! As a black woman, what obstacles have you overcome, or are you overcoming to excel in education? As an African American educator, it has been both a blessing and a curse. Representation matters and it makes a difference when students and parents see someone that looks like them. Even though we aren’t monolithic there are usually some commonalities. I have also been “assigned” students of color irrespective of their needs because of my race. I also have to dispel stereotypes and assumptions that my other colleagues don’t have to deal with. This at times can feel like a burden but remaining true to your beliefs and standards always wins in the end. My teaching motto is: “Everybody is a Genius. But If You Judge a Fish by Its Ability to Climb a Tree, It Will Live Its Whole Life Believing that It is Stupid.” - Albert Einstein. This quote describes how everybody is a genius, if they are viewed in the correct way! My hope is that all students have teachers that are able to truly see them.
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INGRID WILLIAMS
5TH GRADE TEACHER AT MIDLAND INTERNATIONAL ELEMENTARY COLORADO SPRINGS SCHOOL DISTRICT 11
“Be prepared to be wowed by your students! Children are amazing and if you allow them to be their authentic selves, you will be shocked at how much they actually know and are willing to learn.” -Ingrid Williams Pg . 22 | MyBl ack Col orado. com/ E d u ca ti on
Feature Educator INTERVIEW Education is important because it allows the student to be prepared for the world that they are about to enter. It gives the student a broader perspective of life and gives them an upper hand over less educated people in the workforce. For some, it helps them to break the cycle of poverty and lack. What do you think are the top 3 things that help create a healthy learning environment? The top three things that create a healthy learning environment begins with building a good rapport with students. Next, you have to make the classroom a safe place for every student to feel free to share their thoughts and feelings. That means you must set and enforce boundaries with consequences. One of those boundaries must include not letting students put each other or themselves down. Finally, make learning fun. That is the big challenge. Today’s children are not the “sit and get” generation. They need to be stimulated visually and emotionally. Find what works for the class and run with it. What do you think is the most important quality in an educator? I believe the most important quality in an educator is to know each student personally. In order to do this, you have to build a rapport with them, talk to them, show that you are interested in them. If teachers are able to connect with their students, academic growth
is enhanced and quite possibly ensured. The ole saying “people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care” is especially true in education. So educators, get to know your students. What advice would you give to the younger generation about their education? I would tell the younger generation that although education is not the answer to success for some, it is the answer for the majority. Parents want their children to do better and be better than them; education gives you that opportunity. Therefore, do your best in school, ask for help when you don’t understand, and always have confidence that you can do it, whatever “it” is. What encouragement would you give to those who are interested in being in education? I would encourage anyone who is interested in entering the education field to be prepared to be wowed by your students! Children are amazing and if you allow them to be their authentic selves, you will be shocked at how much they actually know and are willing to learn. The flip side of that is that there are students who will not rise to the occasion for whatever reason they may have. However, you must still be the guiding light for them that you are for the other students. It’s a tough gig, but you will be prepared for it. M yB l a ckColo r a d o. co m / E d u ca ti o n | P g. 2 3
DAVID BENJAMIN PROSPER SHEPHERD REVOLUTION LEADERSHIP ACADEMY PROSPER@SHEPHERDREVOLUTION.COM
“As a first generation Haitian American one of the obstacles that I had to overcome in my education was learning to speak English” -David Prosper Pg . 24 | MyBl ack Col orado. com/ E d u ca ti on
Feature Educator INTERVIEW What role do you play in education? I am the founder of Shepherd Revolution Leadership Academy. This is a private K- 8 learning ecosystem dedicated to leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship. I am also a Parent Learning & Development manager and national journalist covering education. Why do you think education is important? The word education in the latin means to bring forth as well as bring up and I believe that education is created to benefit students personally by building on their personal talents. To boost the economy by generating a succession of qualified new workers. Helping young people understand their culture and appreciate those around them and produce politically engaged and compassionate citizens. What do you love most about your role in education? Seeing the learners accept that they are a gift, discovering their genius and developing a growth mindset. What is the best advice you have received about impacting the education sector?
feel empowered to make education their own. What do you think are the top 3 things that help create a healthy learning environment? Lead with Love - I believe that Love is the foundation of all healthy relationships. Love is both truth and grace. Love is being curious and caring about ourselves first and others. Serve Selflessly - I believe that honoring up, we honoring down, we honoring all the way around. By treating everyone with deep admiration. Keep it HOT - I believe that we keep it honest by telling the truth, we keep it open by being receptive and we keep it transparent by not hiding who we are. What do you think is the most important quality in an educator? I believe that the most important quality in an educator is to have the heart of a learner. There is a saying that smart people learn from everything, average people learn from experience and stupid people have all the answers. So to embody a heart and mind of a learner means we will never arrive and is constantly developing.
Maximum learning happens only when there is maximum involvement. This is where learners are involved in the learning process, they’re engaged and they M yB l a ckColo r a d o. co m / E d u ca ti o n | P g. 2 5
Premier Sponsor hillsideconnection.org // 719-434-1907 // info@hillsideconnection.org
Our Mission
Leveraging the game of basketball to create pathways to opportunity for kids in Southern Colorado Springs!
125+ youth boys (grades 1st - 8th) and youth girls (grades 1st -6th) participated in HC’s signature summer basketball clinic.
The Hi l ls i d e Conne ct i o n St o ry Hillside Connection was founded in March of 2017 and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) public charity in March of 2019 with a mission to “leverage the game of basketball to create pathways to opportunity for kids in Southern Colorado Springs”. The organization is led by volunteers, including founder Terrell Brown and a group of community residents, who serve as coaches and mentors. Since 2017, more than 350 youth have participated in Hillside Connection’s programming. All programming is “donation based” and provided at minimal to no charge for youth and families in the community. Hillside Connection currently serves youth girls (grades 1st - 5th) and youth boys (grades 1 - 8th) with a strategic focus on developing pathways programming for youth transitioning into high school in 2021. Pg . 26 | MyBl ack Col orado. com/ E d u ca ti on
Youth participants come from diverse backgrounds and variety of school districts throughout the Pikes Peak Region. Hillside Connection believes in a fivetiered approach towards youth development, consisting of five pillars to success: sports clinics, enrichment activities, community engagement, competitive leagues, and academic & family support services. In order to serve the community, and ultimately increase our youth populations probability of breaking through the systemic structures to success, we need to come together and elevate organizations like Hillside Connection who are adding true value to the community! IT’S GOING TO TAKE A VILLAGE TO RAISE THE YOUTH!
Hillside Connection THE HILLSIDE SCOOP SPRING/SUMMER 2021
Basketball Legends Sheryl Swoopes and Lenny Wilkens assist with HC Basketball Clinic at the United State Olympic and Paralympic Museum
HC 3V3 Summer League helps build community! For three weekends in June, 90+ middle school boys in Southern Colorado Springs compete in a fun and safe environment. NCAA and NBA divisions. Congratulations to “Team Havoc” and the “Big Dawgs” for winning the championship!
Summer Basketball Clinic and Back To School Drive!
HC recognizes their first class of 9th graders!
Immersions in STEM. HC youth compete in Drone Soccer Competition at Rocky Mountain State Games thanks to the support from Mr. Theo Gregory!
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