The Educator Magazine - Vol 1 - 2022 by TB Productions

THE EDUCAT$R

VOLUME 1

Renita L. Webb, Ph.D.

MAGAZINE

Everyone Deserves to Shine: finding and shining your light unapologetically

Teresa B. Howell

Talk Show Host, Sony-Orchard Distributor, and Award Winning Writer/Producer. www.tproductions.org

FOUNDER and CEO Teresa B. Howell https://tbproductions.org EDITOR David R. Navarro CREATIVE design&print CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Teresa B. Howell David R. Navarro

ADVERTISING & PROMOTION TB Productions Media Group TeresaBProductions+ads@gmail.com Maurice Scriber COPYRIGHTS The Heat Seekers Magazine is owned by Teresa B. Howell and Teresa B. Productions. The magazine, its staff and writers, has made sure that content is accurate on the date of publication. The views expressed in the articles reflect the author(s)’ opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or editor. The published material, adverts, editorials and all other content is published in good faith. All rights reserved. Nothing can be partially or in whole be reprinted or reproduced without express written permission.

Letter from the Founder and CEO In 2005, I decided to leave my fortune 500 job in accounting and take a leap of faith into the classroom. I had once worked in an elementary school in 1998 as a bookkeeper and it was there that the principal pushed me into the field. He said: “The children with disabilities gravitate towards you. Maybe you should consider becoming a special education teacher?” So I went back to school and sought out the dream. I listened, I conquered, I accomplished. Unfortunately, that principal(Harvey Sadoff) died a few years after speaking into my life. But I made it happen and I will be always grateful for “the push” he gave me. As I rose to the top in education from an ordinary special education teacher to National Board Certification, to School Administrator, to Sped Director, there was still something missing. In my early years of life, I wanted to be a singer, a writer, a poet…and in 2014, the floodgates of creativity opened. Before I knew it, I had become an educator with extraordinary gifts that were being displayed outside of the classroom. From there, the concept of this magazine began. As the Founder and CEO of this publication, my goal is to spotlight educators who are also gifted outside of the classroom. I want to show the world that not only can they teach the children of tomorrow, but they can balance other gifts and remain in the air, flying high. I am proud to be an educator as I have touched the lives of thousands of students. But I am also proud of being a writer, singer, talk show host, playwright, magazine CEO, and mother of 2. I am an educator…with extraordinary talents. So help me celebrate the others within this publication that have extraordinary talents too. Teresa B. Howell Founder and CEO, The Educator Magazine

CONTENTS

Denise Walker 3-5

Andrea Petifer 6-9 COVER FEATURE

Renita L. Webb, Ph.D. 11-15

Denise Walker 3

THE EDUCATOR: Tell us about your journey as a writer. DENISE WALKER: What can I say? It has been an amazing ride. I have learned a lot. I have made mistakes, and I’ve had some wins. I had many blessed opportunities, and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I have written seven books to date, three novels, three Bible literacy journals, and one business journal. I am currently finishing up my second women’s Christian fiction novel. I have also turned several of my books into workshops. THE EDUCATOR: Tell us four words describing your writing style. DENISE WALKER: Transforming, healing, inspiring, and empowering THE EDUCATOR: Do you have a writing process? DENISE WALKER: Yes, when I first started writing, I was a pantser. Now, I have been completely transformed. I am an outliner. Since fiction is the most tedious, I will discuss that process first. I begin by developing my characters by completing a list of questions about the main characters. Then, I move on to the secondary characters. I then work on my plot using the three-act structure. I love to use sticky notes because I can see the flow of the story, and I can move them around if needed. When I create my journals, I grab my template and begin designing. This process is easier because I already have the strategies and activities written out in my journals. THE EDUCATOR: What or who inspires you? THE EDUCATOR: When did you decide to branch off from the educational field into writing? DENISE WALKER: I felt led to start my ministry blog, where I was writing inspirational devotionals, back in 2015. Soon after, I was led to write my first book, a Bible literacy journal, in 2016. THE EDUCATOR: What do you write about? DENISE WALKER: I write Christian women’s fiction and Christian YA/Middle grades fiction. I also design Bible literacy journals for youth and adults. THE EDUCATOR: Is it difficult to balance the two? DENISE WALKER: Sometimes it is difficult to balance with my writing schedule because I am exhausted when I get in from teaching and the current demands that come with teaching. I began writing during my breaks from school, and it has really helped.

DENISE WALKER: Well, my greatest inspiration is Christ. I thank Him for the gifts he has given me. My next inspiration is my husband. He is always encouraging me to keep going. He also gets on my case when I want to give up (for a second) because I think it’s too hard. THE EDUCATOR: What or who inspires you? DENISE WALKER: Well, my greatest inspiration is Christ. I thank Him for the gifts he has given me. My next inspiration is my husband. He is always encouraging me to keep going. He also gets on my case when I want to give up (for a second) because I think it’s too hard. Tell us about your publishing company. As an independent author, I publish my own works. I don’t publish other books. However, I assist Christian nonfiction and children’s books indie authors by serving as their writing coach, copy editor, proofreader, or book coach, where I walk them through the entire publishing process. I may also design general book covers for my clients.

THE EDUCATOR: Tell us about your podcast. DENISE WALKER: My podcast, Hope-in-Christ with Denise, is a Christian podcast. On this platform, I interview Christian authors, entrepreneurs, and ministers. These individuals either share about their books, share a testimony, or shot out their business or ministry. I also host panel discussions about topics that help others grow in Christ. My other podcast, Building Literacy and True Identity, will be re-released in January 2022. On this podcast, I will teach on topics that cause individuals to lose their God given identity (True Identity). I will also share Bible literacy strategies as I teach from the word of God. THE EDUCATOR: What message do you want readers to take away from your books? DENISE WALKER: From my fiction, I would like readers to understand that we can’t be free if we don’t address the hard topics. We will only continue walking around broken. Also, we are ordinary individuals who can encounter the extraordinary God and be set free and made whole. From my Bible literacy journals, I would love to see children and adults build their biblical literacy so they can come to understand who Christ is and walk in their true identity in Him. THE EDUCATOR: What are two things you want your readers to know about you? DENISE WALKER: I love to educate and empower others. THE EDUCATOR: What new projects are you working on? DENISE WALKER: I am working to finish my next women’s Christian fiction novel, Sufficient Grace. It releases in February 2022. THE EDUCATOR: How can readers find you? DENISE WALKER: You can contact me at the following: Twitter: @author_denise Facebook Fan Pages: @Author Denise M. Walker, @Hope-In-Christ Ministries, Inc Instagram: @authordenisemwalker, @hope_in_christ1 LinkedIn: Author Denise M Walker TikTok: @dmwalkerhope, @armorofhopewritingserv Email: contact@denisemwalker.com Amazon Author page: amazon.com/author/denisew Website: www.denisemwalker.com Website: www.hope-in-christ.com

Andrea Petifer 6

Andrea Underwood Petifer is a tenured educational leader with over 17 years of experience. She is highly skilled in training, including curriculum development and facilitation, cross-functional collaboration, and consulting. Andrea was a Ronald Edmonds Scholar at North Carolina Central University, receiving a full academic scholarship. She earned her B.A. in Elementary Education in 2005, followed by certification in Academically & Intellectually Gifted in 2007. Andrea continued her studies at Meredith College, earning an M.Ed in Gifted Education in 2010. Following five years of mentoring student teachers, Andrea was recognized as the Southwest Elementary Teacher of the Year. After serving as an AIG Facilitator, she attained a Master of School Administration from NCCU while concurrently serving as President of the Durham Association of Educators in 2013. Andrea’s leadership is described as data-driven and strategic, specializing in utilizing analysis to formulate performance improvement and change management plans. As Assistant Principal at Pearsontown Year Round Elementary School she was highly active in committees, planning teams, and district task forces, and recognized for providing valuable input, resulting in academic growth, exceptional attendance rates, and high quality teacher working conditions. All of which attributed to her being honored as the 2018 Durham Public Schools Assistant Principal of the Year and the 2019 Office of the Secretary Defense Employer Support of the Guard Reserve Patriotic Employer Award. Later that year Mrs. Petifer was recruited to return to the sloping hills and verdant green of NCCU to serve as an instructor in the H. M. Michaux, Jr. School of Education and in 2020 her alma mater honored her as a recipient of the 40 Under 40 Alumni Award. Andrea’s career trajectory shifted after being diagnosed with Lupus SLE. Through her tears she resigned, all the while resolving to overcome. Though the weapon formed, it did not prosper! And after completing an 8 week writing course, Andrea was encouraged to pursue writing full time. Standing on faith, Andrea has since returned to her childhood dream of becoming an author and in April 2021 she was awarded the Kweli Sing the Truth Writing Mentorship. Most recently she was awarded the Yuyi Morales Merit Scholarship by The Children’s Book Academy. Jeremiah 42:3 reads, “Show me the way in which I should walk and the thing I should do.” There is not a day that goes by that Andrea does not give God the glory. She is actively working on three picture books and plans to pursue doctoral studies in the Summer of 2022. l Andrea Petifer is a proud member of the Durham Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Anointed Women’s Ministerial Training Team (AWMTT), Parents of African American Children, Black Creatives HQ, and a Children’s Book

Academy grad . She resides in Durham with the love of her life, Otis Petifer and their three daughters, Audrina, Alana, and Ava. My daughter recently asked me how I was able to acquire such accomplishments. I paused for a moment, and looked her in the eyes, and said, “it wasn’t I, but it was we.” As a child I was canopied by a community of Black folks that ushered me into believing that I can and I will were applicable to all hopes, all dreams, and every challenge that I faced. These declarations were the first of many life lessons that I would cling to as I began my journey towards becoming a teacher. “I can become a teacher, I will become a teacher. I can become a principal, I will become a principal.” It was the second grade at Vena Wilburn Elementary School that affirmed these truths. I held them captive in my heart and carried them to and from school each day.

then seven year old, they were professionals, polished, poised, and of course impeccably dressed pillars within the Black community. Different roles, different responsibilities, but their dedication to teaching, learning, and leading inspired me to aspire such success. While school was foundational in my future aspirations, as we all know, it takes a village. I would be remiss in not acknowledging that my first teacher was my family. While I was not privileged to attend pre-k I learned how to read, write, and type at an early age. Our home was multi-generational, therefore I was able to experience double and triple doses of learning-with my grandparents, parents, and with some of my aunts and cousins. I had limitless access to instructional materials- books, Childcraft encyclopedias, recipes, and a library card. What a beautiful way to care for a child, by creating an atmosphere committed to learning. Reading was the standard in our home. Everyone around me was reading, whether it was Alice Walker’s The Color Purple, a Sunday School Commentary, or the Sampson Independent, everyone read. In my eyes reading was both enjoyable and informational. They smiled, laughed, and noted how they learned something new with each read; and I, the precocious three year old adorned in Punky Brewster pink glasses, wanted to experience that same sense of zeal. I aspired to read everything I could. I still remember tapping the keys on my grandmother’s electric typewriter, “I can read. I love to read.” “Train up a child in the way they should go, and when they are old, they shall not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

I guess you can say that I’ve been goal oriented for quite some time. At seven years old, when most kids my age were admiring Michael Jackson and Prince, I longed to be Carstoba Byrdsong and Darryl T. Fisher, my second grade teacher and principal. Their impact was astounding. I was starstruck at their presence. The manner in which they showed up every day. How they stood, how they spoke, and how they shared. They knew how to captivate an audience, whether it was a guided reading group or the entire student body in the gymnasium. They were caring, committed, and creative. I never once heard them raise their voice, even at the most mischievous of matters. To this

Integral in my quest in becoming a lifelong learner was my church community. It was at First Cosmopolitan Missionary Baptist Church that I found faith and freedom, love and joy, and peace that surpasses all understanding, but it was in the Black church that I found my voice. How to speak up and speak out and how to advocate for truth and justice. With each Sunday morning (and afternoon), each revival, and anniversary I was afforded the opportunity to absorb the African American art of storytelling. How to Integral in my quest in becoming a lifelong learner was my church community. It was at First Cosmopolitan Missionary Baptist Church that I found faith and freedom, love and joy, and peace that surpasses all understanding, but it was in the Black church that I found my voice. How to speak up and speak out and how to advocate for truth and justice. With each Sunday morning (and afternoon), each revival, and anniversary I was afforded the opportunity to absorb the African American art of storytelling. How to intricately craft a message that plucked one’s heartstrings, gracefully guide one’s footsteps, and carefully chasten the status quo. Church is where I first encountered agency.

The power and prominence that resided within the people seated on those pews poured into me like a pestled hyssop. I absorbed it all, not knowing that it would be that authenticity that I leaned into while leveraging state level stakeholders for adequate school funding. tricately craft a message that plucked one’s heartstrings, gracefully guide one’s footsteps, and carefully chasten the status quo. Church is where I first encountered agency. The power and prominence that resided within the people seated on those pews poured into me like a pestled hyssop. I absorbed it all, not knowing that it would be that authenticity that I leaned into while leveraging state level instakeholders for adequate school funding. All that I stand for and all that I do must be rooted and grounded in love. I lead my classroom, committees, and school community through the lens of empowerment. Encouragement is key in expanding the capacity of the learner. I was never berated as a child-not at home, not at school, and not at church. Words have the power to hurt, which is why I am particular with what I say and write. My community spoke words of healing over me, especially during my most formative years, and I honor that, by reciprocating that. You can be instructionally sound, strategic and data driven, student & family centered and still laugh and cry. Vulnerability, responsibility, and positivity can coexist. Content knowledge can only carry you but so far as a school leader. You must have the ability to connect to your school community. The care, commitment, and creativity personified by my community defined not only my leadership style, but my life work. My life’s work is heart work and this work continues to grow and develop daily. Return, Retire or Resign read the email I received while out on medical leave. I didn’t have the years to retire and my doctors advised me not to return during the pandemic, so in May of 2021 I resigned and in January of 2022, I can affirm that to be the best decision for me and for my family. While safely quarantining with my family, I’ve been afforded a great opportunity to center my health and wellness. Currently I enjoy consulting remotely with H&C Educational Services of Durham, NC. I believe wholeheartedly in the vision and mission of this great organization. They too are about care, commitment, and creativity. You can support this community-centered startup by donating here. Feel free to follow me as I’m readying for my next-writing a new story in more ways than one! #mynewjourney via Twitter @AndreaPetiferED I co-authored a book which can be purchased on Amazon

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Renita L. Webb, Ph. D. Everyone Deserves to Shine: finding and shining your light unapologetically

THE EDUCATOR: What inspired you to go into education? RENITA L. WEBB, PH. D.: It was actually what I planned never to do. But, I originally went into education because it was something I was confident I could do and save money to move to NY. I planned to become a Broadway actress. But, God had other plans and I fell in love with educating and inspiring students, parents, and my fellow educators. THE EDUCATOR: Were there any challenges during the learning process? RENITA L. WEBB, PH. D.: One of the biggest challenges is that students aren’t standardized so it is hard to teach one thing one way. You have got to meet the needs of the students and remember that education should be student focused and not educator focused. Yes, every educator should show up fully. But, we already have the knowledge and we have to impart that on others.

THE EDUCATOR: I noticed you are a writer along with other creative tasks. Where does your creativity come from? RENITA L. WEBB, PH. D.: I love to write stories and create places for others to mentally venture to. But, I also enjoy singing, dancing, acting, and the visual arts. I have always enjoyed creative things, so I believe it is a gift from God. These talents come from Him, but have been nurtured through arts programs in my community since I was 2 years old. THE EDUCATOR: What do you like most about the accomplishments you have completed outside of a school building? RENITA L. WEBB, PH. D.: I like that my non-academic accomplishments show the fullness of my life. I have done things from starring in musicals and theatrical ballets to starting a non-profit organization to winning beauty pageants. Showing my family, my community, and those students who look to me that there is more than one facet to me and that I do them all in excellence could inspire them to show the multi-facets of themselves as well. THE EDUCATOR: Tell me a little bit more about your self published book? RENITA L. WEBB, PH. D.: I actually self published my last 2 books with help from SHERO Publishing. While You Are Sleeping is the perfect children of all ages book. It takes you through the journey of a mother. You learn of her thoughts, wondering, hopes, dreams, and prayers for her child while they are sleeping. Stepmom: Trials, Tribulations, and Triumphs As a step mother, there are so many delicate nuances that must be navigated to cement your role, your place, and your authority in the lives of your new children. What do you have them call you? How do you deal with their biological mother? What happens when someone hurts them? How do you share them with their “other” family? This book takes you through my journey to and through stepmotherhood, the trials, the tribulations, and the triumphs. THE EDUCATOR: How many books have you written so far and when can we expect your next book to be published? RENITA L. WEBB, PH. D.: I have published 3 books (which includes the 2nd edition of the first). You should expect my next book in late 2022.

THE EDUCATOR: Tell us about the entire process of the pageant you participated in and the outcome? RENITA L. WEBB, PH. D.: I’ve participated in several pageants, each one has its own nuances. The basics include: 1. Pick a pageant that meets your talents, age group, and platform interest. 2. Find out what the requirements are for the Pageant from categories to attire. 3. Prepare accordingly. 4. Arrive on pageant day ready to shine bright. 5. If you are blessed to win, remember “to whom much is given much is required” 6. Go out and represent your crown and the system. Use your platform for the good of others. THE EDUCATOR: Who inspires you to continue your creative journey? RENITA L. WEBB, PH. D.: I am inspired by my children, especially my daughters. They are both creatives (even at the tender ages of 10 and 4). They help me remember to find the bright side of life and always find a way to have fun. They have turned our lives in to a real life musical. Song and dance is a regular in our home…hahahahahaha I am also inspired by my mother who is one of the most creative people I know. She always finds new ways to keep the joy and laughter in our lives. THE EDUCATOR: Who is your favorite author (s) and why? RENITA L. WEBB, PH. D.: My favorite author is Maya Angelou. I fell in love with her poetry at an early age. I love that her pieces are timeless and are relevant to people with multitude of experiences. I have grown up with them and them with me. The more I live, the more their meanings change to me. THE EDUCATOR: What other achievements or awards have you obtained outside of the classroom? RENITA L. WEBB, PH. D.: Here is a secret...I typically don’t win awards for the things I do, at least not in the traditional sense. I get lots of verbal accolades or heartfelt emails, but not many actual awards. But, I will say that being named National Talent Performer of the Year for East Coast USA Pageants was one of my favorite non-academic wins. As a creative who has been singing her whole life, it was nice to be recognized for it.

Starting my non-profit, The Refining Life, Inc. is definitely one of my biggest non-academic achievements. We have been in operation for 7 years and have positively affective the lives of over 1000 people. Our mission is to provide people with experiences to have their mindsets shifted so they can lead more positive and productive lives. I believe that we do that daily. THE EDUCATOR: Tell us about your experience as being a school principal. RENITA L. WEBB, PH. D.: Being a school principal was probably one of my favorite things that I have ever done. I had the opportunity to not only lead a school, but also help build it from the ground up. I was able to hire an entirely new staff, I was involved in setting the blueprints for the building, I got to help select the curriculum, the wall colors, the tiles, and everything else that went into what the school would be. I had an INCREDIBLE staff that truly became a family. I got to empower them to do their jobs with a healthy balance our autonomy and accountability. They were leaders and I tried to do my part to build their leadership capacity and encourage them to embrace their leadership in the classroom, the school, and in the community. Our students came to school knowing they were going to learn safely, have some sort of fun, and continuously build community with everyone around them. I grew as much as my students and staff in those 5 years. That experience has helped to shape every experience I have had since.

THE EDUCATOR: What do you enjoy doing on your spare time when you aren’t advocating or going into the community? RENITA L. WEBB, PH. D.: I love singing, dancing, watching movies with my hubby, hanging out with my Mommy, and laughing and eating with my family. I love to get lost in a good book. THE EDUCATOR: Tell us how others can contact you? RENITA L. WEBB, PH. D.: thedoc@drrenitawebb.com FB and Insta: @dr.renita LinkedIn: Dr. Renita L. Webb YouTube: Dr. Renita Webb THE EDUCATOR: I noticed your children are also actively involved in the arts and community. Tell us more about the experiences from a mother’s perspective.

THE EDUCATOR: What advice would you give inspiring entrepreneurs? RENITA L. WEBB, PH. D.: Find your passion before you start the business. Entrepreneurship is not for the faint or heart, so make sure what you are choosing to do is some thing you care about and have a true passion for. Do your research on your audience and make sure you are meeting their needs. Though it is your business, it is not all about you. But, you have got to get to know yourself first because you will have to learn to lead yourself before you can possibly grow your business and lead anyone else. THE EDUCATOR: Tell us about your entrepreneurial experiences? RENITA L. WEBB, PH. D.: I have made multiple attempts at entrepreneurship, but my most successful has been what I am doing now. Becoming an Educational Leadership Strategist brings many of my passions together to change the lives of others. I work with aspiring and growing leaders to become more authentic in their leadership, empower their “follow”ship, and make a greater impact on the world. Coaching clients one on one has been some of my favorite work and I have seen them make some major gains and get some major wins.

I have failed many times and wanted to give up. But, when I hear from those that I serve the changes that have happened in their lives as a result of their work with me, I dust myself off, get up, and go out and lead another day.

RENITA L. WEBB, PH. D.: I have very active and curious children. They are artistic and creative. They love performance. So as their mother, I have to stay on top of the things they love and the things they want to try and provide them with opportunities to do those things. I also surround them with people and resources that will encourage and make it possible for them to do those things in the spirit of excellence. We don’t believe in doing things half way. As a result, I feel like we are always going here there and everywhere. I thank God for providing me with a husband that is on the same page with this vision and who didn’t have a problem going to football, basketball, and track. He also is ever present at dance, pageants, and voice lessons. THE EDUCATOR: What is next for Dr. Renita Webb? RENITA L. WEBB, PH. D.: Dr. Renita has many hopes and dreams. One of which is expanding Leadership Live and taking it to a bigger platform. I am also planning a new boom release in 2022. We are also planning more events and growing our annual conference for The Refining Life. THE EDUCATOR: If you could give some encouragement to young ladies around the world, what would it be? RENITA L. WEBB, PH. D.: Don’t allow anyone to limit what you can do. You opportunities are only limited by your belief in yourself and your willingness to work to achieve your hopes and dreams. Remember as long as you are blessed with a new day, you have a new chance to do that “thing” what ever it is. There is still time. Don’t give up...keep moving forward.