The Educator Magazine - Vol 4 - 2022 by TB Productions

THE EDUCAT$R

VOLUME 4

MAGAZINE

Author SheNell

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 Andrea U. Petifer Denise M. Walker 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 3 Putting Practice Into Perspective - Vol. 4 by Andrea U. Petifer 4 From Educator to Teacherpreneur Part Two by Denise M. Walker 6-15 COVER FEATURE - AUTHOR SHE NELL

16 Interview with NaShonda Bender-Cooke 20 Interview with Sheena T. Flecher 22 Educator Spotlight Denise M. Walker 2

Putting Practice Into Perspective Vol. 4 By Andrea U. Petifer

Follow me on Twitter @AndreaPetiferED

Andrea Petifer is a tenured educational leader highly skilled in curriculum development, cross-functional collaboration, and consulting. Adept at instructing elementary-aged through collegiate level students, she is applauded for her ability to implement change management plans with care and creativity. Andrea is a past teacher of the year, district level assistant principal of the year, and union president. Each month this column will explore lessons I’ve learned throughout my almost twenty year journey of teaching and learning. My aim is to share tangible takeaways that are real and relevant, that spark reflective practice, and ready you to enact change. Uvalde, Texas. Robb Elementary School. Nineteen children and their two teachers murdered by a gunman armed with assault rifles. A gunman that evaded the police. When will it end? May you never be forgotten. Nevaeh Alyssa Bravo, 10 Jackie Cazares, 9 Makenna Lee Elrod, 10 Jose Flores, 10 Eliahna “Ellie” Garcia, 9 Irma Garcia, 48 Uziyah Garcia, 10 Amerie Jo Garza, 10 Xavier Lopez, 10 Jayce Carmelo Luevanos, 10 Tess Marie Mata, 10 Miranda Gail Mathis, 11 Eva Mireles, 44 Alithia Haven Ramirez, 10 Annabelle Rodriguez, 10 Maite Yuleana Rodriguez, 10 Alexandria ANiyah Rubio, 10 Layla Salazar, 10 Jailah Silguero, 10 Elihana Torres, 10 Rojelio Torres, 10 May you rest in peace.

From Educator to Teacherpreneur Part Two By Denise M. Walker

Author, educator, podcaster, speaker, writing coach, and copy editor. Owner of Armor of Hope Writing & Publishing Services, LLC

Becoming a teacherpreneur is not easy, but it is well worth it. To get started, you only need to take the first step forward. As stated in part one, you must first overcome fear, not be consumed with the finances, and most of all we willing to follow through. In this article, I would like to leave you with a few strategies for getting started. Identify your Gift/Skill Set Each of us was created with a specific gift. This gift is the thing that comes easy to you. It is the one thing you enjoy doing. For example, for as long as I can remember, I have loved words. It is no surprise that I became an English teacher, author, editor, and writing coach. Here’s some homework for you. Think about the one thing you were created to do. Purchase a notebook and write it down. Also, record how you know this is your gift. Know your Audience After recognizing your gift, decide who your gift is for. Pray and ask the Lord for clarity. Please note, everyone is not your audience. I have to admit I struggled identifying my audience at first, but as time passed and I wasn’t as successful attempting to focus on everyone, I narrowed it down to specific sub-groups. Now you try it. After recording your gift, make a list of audiences you believe it is for. Don’t forget to pray first, to receive proper directions. Invest One of the most important steps is investing. If you are serious about your business being a success, you have to invest. Learn more about the craft. Learn how to successfully launch your business. Learn how to build your clientele. There are many groups on Facebook and other platforms with a wealth of information. You can also do a web search for virtual events and those in your surrounding area. Investing in your business is more than learning the “how to’s.” You must also purchase the items needed to move the business forward. Don’t try to do it all at once. Add the possible ways to invest to your notebook. Record the amounts needed and possible individuals who can help. Go for it Finally, go for it. Don’t second guess yourself. Don’t make excuses. No, it won’t be perfect, and you will learn something new every day as a teacherpreneur. You only need to be willing to keep going. You will make mistakes. You may even fail at somethings. However, those are all learning opportunities. Keep going. Don’t look back! What do you have to lose?

Author SheNell Everyone Deserves to Shine: Finding and shining your light unapologetically. 6

She Nell-Educator and Author Interview by The Educator

Author SheNell has several books that have raced up the top 10 of Amazon Best Sellers list. She has written stories that will make you laugh, cry, and sad all in just a couple of pages. As a Christian Fiction Author she has made several waves in the literary world but one thing that was intriguing to me was the fact that she was also an educator. I was glad to link up with She Nell at an event previously to cover her story on her wonderful journey in writing and literature. The Educator: Tell us how you got started? Author SheNell: I started as a reader. I loved book as a kid. My mom challenged me to write a book when I could find anything to read. On that day a writer was born. The Educator: What was your ultimate goal when you started writing Christian fiction? Author SheNell: To encourage, edify and entertain people. The myth that Christians don’t have fun really grinds my gears. I want to show what real Christian Life is like. The Educator: How long in education and what do you like about it the most? Author SheNell: I was an educator for about 20 years ten years in Preschool and 10 years in public elementary school. Working with kids is what I liked most. The Educator: You have shown some extraordinary writing talents. Are you an outliner or a “pantster”? Author SheNell: I am a “plotster” both a “pantster” an and a “plotter”. I definitely have an outline, but it is loose, fluid and short. However I still MUST have it, even though I am going to allow the story to flow. The Educator: How long does it normally take to write a novel? Author SheNell: A novel takes me between 60 and 70 hours to draft. Depending on the amount of writing time I have that could be anywhere from a weeks to a couple of months. The Educator: You have a long list of titles. What are you working on presently? Author SheNell: I am working on Resting on the Word. It is book 4 in the Flawed but Faithful series. The Educator: What keeps you going in literature and education? Author SheNell: I love both and although I won’t be teaching children the upcoming school year, I will offer workshops to adults.

The Educator: Why Christian Fiction? Author SheNell: “Because we have options” as my t-shirts say. You can be an avid reader and a follower of Christ. The Educator: Who inspired you write? Author SheNell: I guess my first inspiration came from my mom. I was sick of reading about kids that didn’t look like me and when I complain about it she said “Well go write something”. Her point was I wasn’t going outside but it opened a great passion inside of me. The Educator: Who inspired you to become an educator? Author SheNell: My children. The Educator: If you could give any advice to both a teacher and writer, what would it be? Author SheNell: At the end of the day the only person you have to answer to is Christ. His question is a loaded one “Did you do what He called you to do in the time He gave you,”. The Educator: What are your future goals? Author SheNell: Currently I have hit one future goal which is to be a fulltime author, now the goal is to create and sustain. The Educator: Who is your favorite author and why? Author SheNell: E. N. Joy she is not only a gifted writer she also is a phenomenal coach and leader. The Educator: How do you balance? Author SheNell: I am a planner nerd. I write everything down and cross it off one by one.

The Educator: Tell us about your upcoming projects? Author SheNell: In the book Resting on the Word, we pick up Jade’s story. She was introduced to readers in book three Fighting the Good Fight. The story starts a few weeks after she leaves the hospital. Jade and Devin struggle to build a family. When they realize that family is not limited to their definition big things happen. The Educator: What’s your plans for the 2022-2023 school year? Author SheNell: To write and then write some more, after that I will decide my returning plans. The Educator: How can others purchase your books? Author SheNell: Paperback and Digital Books can be purchased via Amazon. And Autographed paperbacks can be purchased via an event or my website. The Educator: Please provide your social media info? Author SheNell: You can find me on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, TWITTER and TIKTOK as AuthorSheNell.

NaShonda Bender-Cooke 9

Special Education at its finest. Interview by The Educator The Educator: How long have you been in the profession? NaShonda Bender-Cooke: I have just completed my 23rd year teaching, all here in North Carolina. The Educator: Why were you interested in the special education field? NaShonda Bender-Cooke: I used to visit my mother’s special education classroom while living in Mississippi. I was in maybe first grade. I loved the connection she had with her students. She was teaching life skills while encouraging them to love themselves and be proud of who they were. I wanted to be a teacher just like that. The Educator: Give a scenario of your best and worst experience in the classroom? NaShonda Bender-Cooke: My best experience is anytime I can celebrate an accomplishment of my students’. It could be anything from reading out loud for the first time to applying to college. Every accomplishment is worth celebrating. My worst experience is always the news of losing a student. Whether it be due to gun violence or something natural. That’s a pain that is indescribable.

The Educator: What other hobbies do you have outside of education? NaShonda Bender-Cooke: I am into physical fitness, specifically working out. It’s a requirement really. It positively affects my mental and physical well being. Recently I have started gardening. This is my third time trying, wish me luck! The Educator: How do you balance the classroom and advocacy for teachers? NaShonda Bender-Cooke: It’s really two in one. We can’t be the best teacher for our students, for our schools if we don’t have the tools we need or we are just told what to do and how. Just like a doctor or a construction worker. You want the best, give me what I need and trust my professional knowledge to tell you what that is. The Educator: What would you like to see happen differently in Special Education? NaShonda Bender-Cooke: I’d like more opportunities for collaboration between general education teachers and special education teachers. We find ourselves needing to be creative to find time to discuss how much progress a student is making outside of the

special education classroom as well as ensuring that modifications and accommodations are being incorporated. The Educator: Describe how you have helped other teachers past, present, and future? NaShonda Bender-Cooke: I enjoy spending time with preservice teachers, through the NC Teacher Cadet Program and Teaching Fellows. The excitement about their future encourages me. I try to be approachable with my current peers that I see every day or have previously worked with. I also help those going through the National Board Certification process. Past teachers I honor whenever I am asked to speak on a panel or I look for support myself. One of my favorite educational heroes is Dr. Dudley Flood. He told me once, “Be the best teacher for the school you are in.” The Educator: How can others reach you if they needed support or advice? NaShonda Bender-Cooke: My twitter is: @MsBCookeNBCT

Sheena T. Fletcher 11

School Administration with a twist! Interview by The Educator Sheena T. Fletcher has had the distinct pleasure of serving as an Educational Leader with over 17 years of K-12 experience, both in the public & charter school worlds. She is a proud double-grad of North Carolina Central University and a member of the illustrious Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and that educational & sisterhood experience has assisted her to served as an effective and transformational hands-on administrator and educator. With each new school experience, Sheena has focused on bringing her own unique leadership skills to help navigate through several “turn-around” schools with a focus on relationship building in the learning environment for both students and adults. With a passion to cultivate a culturally responsive environment, rooted in effective communication and student centric engagement and learning, she has ensured equitable opportunities for all. Sheena’s educational and personal experiences have strengthened her resolve to have “a seat at the table” that leads to a more inclusive, collaborative team effort to overcome racial and income inequality for all students. Sheena is a powerful force in her school building as a leader and uses her positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others to work hard and succeed. Outside of school, Sheena is a woman of God, wife, mother, sister, & daughter! Without these roles she would not be the woman she is today. She is an avid singer of gospel music! She has sung since the age of 5 in her grandfather’s church and throughout her time in her school & college years. After college, Sheena has continued to sing in a gospel group, the Voices of Prophetic Worship, that included her best friend of 21 years & several long-lasting college friends. She is now a vibrant member of her local church and continues to use her God-given gifts. Sheena has an everlasting goal to become & to help others become all they are purposed to be! She would love to continue to mentor other educators and leaders in the ever-changing landscape of education and to further her reach as a leader in the field. This fundamental goal is shown in every aspect of her life, and she will continue to strive to push herself and others not just where we think we can go but beyond our wildest dreams! The Educator: Take us back to the very first year as an educator. Give us a memorable moment? Sheena T. Fletcher: During my first year as a teacher, I was

fortunate to work with wonderful people and students at Hillside High School in Durham, NC. “If you can make it at Hillside, you can make it anywhere!” is such a true statement. Hillside is a historically black high school with a rich communal history. The work there is hard but truly worth it! The things I learned as a young teacher there under the mentorship of a group of strong veteran teachers & the connections I made with my young & innovative colleagues have helped to mold me today as an administrator. The Educator: How long have you been in the profession thus far? Sheena T. Fletcher: I started teaching in 2005, so 17 years! The Educator: Why did you decide to go into school administration? Sheena T. Fletcher: During my time as a teacher at Hillside H.S. I began stepping into teacher-leadership roles such as History Department chair, School Improvement Team Chair, Etc. With this, I started to see beyond my classroom & started to see the “bigger” picture of school. Several of my former principals and mentors start asking me, “when are you going into administration?” but what really pushed me forward was my paternal grandfather, who was also my pastor. He was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer and began to decline after several years of medical treatment. One of the last conversations I had with him was what he saw for me with the help of God for my future. He said “there was more than this for me & God had purposed me to lead people. I always knew I wanted to be impactful and purposefully, so I began my journey to school leadership in 2012 at NC Central University.

The Educator: What do you do outside of education for fun? Sheena T. Fletcher: Fun, what’s that? No, really, I love spending time with family & friends! I love to sing at church & beyond. It is really important to me that I find balance with work, life, church, & friendship! Finding balance is a lifetime journey that The Educator: What motivates you to continue as a school administrator? Sheena T. Fletcher: I stay motivated to continue as a school administrator by staying connect to students in real classrooms. Staying visible for students is incredibly important & keeps me grounded. I also love helping teachers grow in the profession as teacher leaders. Building relationships is what motivates me to keep pushing. The Educator: What are your thoughts on the recent school shooting in Texas? Sheena T. Fletcher: Its frustrating & heartbreaking! I am a mother & so I wear a parent hat too… I am concerned for the safety of our children. Both gun reform and access to mental health counseling is needed to help eliminate the increase gun violence we are seeing all across the U.S. The Educator: If you could change anything in education, what would it be? Sheena T. Fletcher: Increased apathy is one of the things I would change in education. From educators, to parents, to students, to law makers. If we showed more care, we see increased funding for teacher pay & effective programs that actually work for students, increased parent involvement & investment in student learning & whole child growth.

The Educator: Do you find yourself teaching at times even in leadership? Sheena T. Fletcher: Most Definity! I strive to push into classrooms to lead lessons and to co-teach with my teachers. I also mentor novice teachers to push them to be even greater and to make strives to build relationships with students & their families. The Educator: What is the key to success for leadership? Sheena T. Fletcher: The key to success in leadership is consistency & honesty! Being transparent with your staff, students, and parents will get you further along and more authentic buy-in than presenting a front. Ever person I have interacted with in this career may not always like me, but they can say I am consistent and firm when it comes to who I am & what I believe. The Educator: What other talents do you possess outside of education? Sheena T. Fletcher: I love to sing & speak at events to motivate people! The Educator: How can others reach you if they needed support or advice? Sheena T. Fletcher: I can be reached at boddiesheena@ gmail.com if someone is looking for support in the field of education or just simple advice in day-to-day issues that come up in schools.

The Educator: If you had a superpower, what would you change in leadership? Sheena T. Fletcher: In leadership, I would want to see change in all the bureaucracy in the educational system. There are some commonsense changes that could be put in place to support student growth & expansion in the field of education if the “red tape” was eliminated. The Educator: Name two administrators that lead the pathway for you? Sheena T. Fletcher: Dr. Laurell Malone & I met at NC Central during my undergrad years! She has pushed me to grow as a teacher and leader to motivate others. I have always looked up to her as fiery & always fashionable leader. She told me I can do & have it all, just put God first! Dr. Andrea Carroll & I met as a young inspiring school administrator. She has provided me tremendous support and encouraging words as I have matriculated as a school leader. She continuously prays for me in & out of the field of education and always has a reassuring word.

EDUCATOR SPOTLIGHT

DENISE M. WALKER, M. ED

DENISE M. WALKER is a minister, wife, mother, podcaster, experienced educator and entrepreneur. Denise has educated youth for over 18 years and served in the field of education for 22 years. Most of her career has been serving middle school youth and mentoring preteen and teen girls. She is the founder of Hope-in-Christ Ministries, Inc. and the owner of Armor of Hope Writing & Publishing Services, LLC. In addition, she is the creator and facilitator of the Hope-inChrist Book Club Facebook group, the host of Hope-in-Christ w/Denise and Building Literacy & True Identity podcasts. Her ministry’s mission is to lead others to the truth of Christ, build literacy, and assist individuals in walking in their true identity in Him. Denise has written several blogs on her Hope-in-Christ Ministries platform. To date, she has pinned five books: two Bible strategies journals, two YA Christian Fiction novels for teen girls (My True Identity Series), and a journal for aspiring Christian writers. She has also co-authored several anthologies. Denise M. Walker graduated from HBCU Bethune Cookman University in the state of Florida. She obtained her master’s degree from Capella University in Educational Leadership.

Book Club: Hope-in-Christ Book Club

Denise has spent over 20 years serving youth in the field

Instagram: @authordenisemwalker,

of education.

@hope_in_christ1, @hopeinchristbookclub LinkedIn: Author Denise M Walker

She has taught 3rd-8th grade and many of her former students are now in their early to late twenties. Denise has

Her emails are: denise@hope-in-christ.com,

served as a girls and teacher mentor, English language

armorofhope121@gmail.com or

arts department chair, and literacy leader. When the next

denisemwalkerhope@gmail.com

school term begins, she will begin her 24th year as an educator.

Amazon Author page: amazon.com/author/denisew

Websites: www.hope-in-christ.com (Ministry). www.armorofhopewritingservices.com (Business) and www.denisemwalker.com (Author).

Podcast: Hope-in-Christ w/Denise https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hope-in-christw-denise/id1316040751

Denise can also be followed on various social media sites: Twitter: @author_denise, @Hope_in_Christ1 Facebook Fan Pages: @AuthorDeniseMWalker, @HopeInChristMinistriesInc

EDUCATOR SPOTLIGHT

La sheera lee, M. ed

LA SHEERA LEE, M. Ed, an award winning blogger, a wife, mother, educator, podcaster, literary agent, moderator, literary event planner, magazine contributor, and author. She is on a mission to help others to see the beauty of their own voices. La Sheera served as production assistant on the Iris Bolling’s production Heart Series. She was the casting director for Deadly Sexy, based on the Beverly Jenkins bestselling book. It was produced and directed by Iris Bolling. She is also known for her savvy as a social media strategist and influencer, loves to help people connect the dots. She utilizes the power of social media to inspire, inform, and educate on a global level. La Sheera has always been two things: reading and helping others. Now, she is able to merge her two passions as a literary agent for SBR Media. She has gained a lot of success in helping authors obtain foreign rights translations, app, and audio deals. Next, she is setting her sights on obtaining film, televi-

As women, we wear numerous hat. Everyone and every-

sion, digital, and gaming deals. She believes that it is

thing pulls us in different directions. Jobs, family, relation-

her training and skills she has obtained as an educator,

ship, social and civic obligations. All vie for our time. We

that has prepared her for the next journey.

are often left in scattered pieces, It is time we reclaim our rightful time and place in the sun. Join me in this insightful

A native of a small city in Virginia, this Teacher of The

journey of self-discovery and self-love. Keep shining.

Year, realizes that success is leading the next person forward.

You can contact her at readyoulater.biz or @readyoulater on Twitter and Instagram.

She is also the founder of the artistic event Lights! Camera! Action! #LCA is an experience that fuses books, movies, and art into an interactive weekend. You can hear her https://apple.co/38iJ4j8, https://spoti. fi/35a7adR, or https://bit.ly/32pxO0K, where your voice is heard. She interviews guest who have something to say about life, culture, and business. You can also cach her Vlog, Cool Conversations on FB Live on Wednesdays at 7:00 PM. EST.