Black Male Educators of New Orleans: An Interview with Will Horton Jr.

Exhibit the likeness. Provoke imagination. Instill into minds. Establish perception. The seeds of change are planted with intention. They are nurtured, watered, and cultivated with love. Then the results are set free to flourish and plant seeds of their own. In a city with unemployment for black males at over 50 percent, according to a recent study released by the Urban League of New Orleans, black youth need positive role models in… Read More

A Promising Start

The students of Andrew H.Wilson had a very difficult and trying school year last year. But with InspireNOLA Charter Schools taking over this school year, parents felt confident their students  could reach their potential. The difference was clear even before this school year started, with an orientation where parents could feel the excitement of the CEO, administration and the entire staff and see a facelift that gave the school a new look… Read More

A Thank You to Teachers

Many kids wake up on a daily basis and fight to survive and succeed in spite of all the negativity surrounding them. I don’t believe there is a single child who truly doesn’t want to learn. A lot of children may not have anyone in their corner to push them. Sometimes school is the only outlet for many kids, a place where they receive love, get to be themselves and escape the… Read More

The Problem We Still Live With

“Is this to be one of the desegregated schools?” a New Orleans teacher asked. “Yes it is,” the superintendent replied. “Would that make any difference?” We had no idea what a difference it would make. In 1932 a child by the name of Barbara Henry was born. She would eventually get tutelage in her early years from the Girls Latin School of Boston—an experience she said taught her to “appreciate and enjoy our… Read More

How to Play the Political Game: Putting the Interest of Kids First

Education is so political and all about personal gain. The only time representatives come around to speak to parents is election time—and when I say come around, I mean they make appearances at schools their friends’ children attend. It’s a struggle to make sure your child receives the best education possible when they are in public schools. Why is it that individuals who don’t have any ties with public schools, or to… Read More

Gathering the Pieces in New Orleans, There Is Work to Be Done

The air was so thick, you could have cut it with a knife. My heart beat rapidly within my chest. My anticipation grew and my expectations were high as I waited to hear just the right set of words. Earlier this month, the United Negro College Fund held a candidate forum for the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education district elections. Election day is on October 24. The first panel consisted… Read More

The True Definition of Educators Caring Versus Not Caring

Over the past nine months, my eyes have been opened to the world of education on another level. The research I’ve done, the things I’ve seen and heard have been really encouraging and disturbing at the same time. It has driven me to do whatever it takes to make a difference. Education is the most important part of our lives and also the most dangerous and controversial matter in America. Children’s lives… Read More

Every School Year I Had to Fight

Parents usually have to fight to get an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)or 504-plan for their children, but why? An IEP is a plan or program developed to ensure that a child who has a disability identified under the law and is attending an elementary or secondary educational institution receives specialized instruction and related services. You would think that for something as important as an IEP it would be very easy and not… Read More

Valuing a Connection Beyond the Classroom

Mrs. Turner. Mrs. Brinkley. Mr. Falcone. Ms. Breaux. Coach Dixon. Mr. Ussin. Mr. Cooke. I can recall teachers who have helped to shape my life. Along with my family and key male figures on my block, I am thankful for them. My first-grade teacher, Sister Ann Joachim, still teaches in New Orleans. I am 42 years young. I can still visit her and recall great memories of my childhood. I can remember… Read More

The Transition Through Aaliyah’s Eyes

As a parent you never want to feel as though you have failed your child when it comes to their education. We were given the news that our school was issued a failing grade and would be taken over by a Charter Management Organization (CMO). Questions and scenarios run through your mind. How do you explain this to your child? Who will get your school? Will they bring all new staff in?… Read More