Blog
Each month, in the Equity Exchange newsletter, I reflect on the historical context, my experiences as an educator and large urban district superintendent, and their relationship to educational practice, reforms, opportunities, and equity. May, of course, was a time for our MSU graduates to move forward, building on the great opportunities and successes they have…
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During my tenures as the leader of the public school districts in St. Paul, Austin, and Atlanta, National Teacher Appreciation Week was always one of my favorite weeks of the year! It was a time for our school community and for me, personally, to celebrate the selfless and tireless work of our amazing, dynamic teachers. It was…
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Welcome to the inaugural issue of the National Center for the Elimination of Educational Disparities (NCEED) newsletter! As the first director for the Center, I’m thrilled to embark on this new journey with you, sharing experiences and delving into the pressing questions our research community is addressing. Our mission is clear: NCEED conducts research that…
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It’s that time of year again — we are all back in school! Districts across the country are hiring teams to serve our nation’s children. As a former superintendent of public school districts in St. Paul, Minnesota; Austin, Texas; and Atlanta, Georgia, I know how demanding these critical first weeks of school are to get…
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Defining US documentary captures and elevates student and educator voices on social justice It’s been a long road – fraught with fits and starts due to COVID – to finally be able to share some great news during the on-going pandemic, and it couldn’t come at better time because it’s Black History Month for 2022!…
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Progress comes in small steps or to paraphrase a wise saying: “To move mountains, you have to lift small stones.” After many steps and stones, the United States will now recognize Juneteenth as a federal holiday to recognize, celebrate, and encourage freedom. It is amazing to realize that even as recently as a few years…
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Remembering lives lost on this tragic day — and every day As I reflect on the mounting fear and concern, including my own, about crime, violence, and homicides, up 58% in 2021, sweeping across Atlanta, I am also reminded of the relevance of June 12. It is the day that those of us who celebrate…
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Memorial Day is the day our country pauses to remember and honor those who have died in the performance of their military duties. It’s celebrated on the last Monday in May. And, today, in Georgia, it is a beautiful day to feel the loving spirit of those who lost their lives. In my professional life…
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Little girls with dreams become women with vision Everyone needs a dream…and someone to believe in them. I was fortunate that I grew up with a mom and dad who believed that my three sisters and I could do anything we set our minds to achieve. They made sure, especially when it came to our…
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I’m joining an Annual African-American Read-In! You can too! Continue celebrating all the greatness and achievements of African Americans all year long! Here is the live stream link to join today. Have you seen that episode of Black-ish about Black History Month? You know the one…where the kids come from school at the end of…
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