Diary of a Mad Black Teacher

 

Hello Family!

This posting was done by my guest blogger, Dr. Donna Graham. Dr. Graham is a veteran technology teacher who retired from the District of Columbia Public Schools a few years ago. Since her retirement she has been busy consulting for various educational organizations, playing tennis and taking Tai Kwon Do! Enjoy this humorous look back on her experiences as a public school teacher….

 

World Read Aloud Day

Hello Family,

I hope all is well in the new year for everyone….

During last summer while attending the SOS Conference and March, I had the pleasure of meeting Ruby Veridiano; Lit Corps and Social Media Ambassador for an organization called Lit World.  She was a featured speaker at a conference session I attended on education and it’s role in world literacy. I felt an instant connection with Ruby. Her warm and personable demeanor made it very easy for me to engage in conversations going on during our conference session. I admired her passion and drive as she discussed her role in Girls LitClubs in NYC. I was just really impressed with her and the organization she represents. (oh, and not to mention; too, she told me she is a native of one of my favorite cities on the west coast (shout out to Oakland, CA) (smile)  Anyway, Ruby and I became instant friends….

 

African-American Parents, What Are You Waiting For?

Ok, Family I need your help… I was asked by my Asst. Principal at Nia’s school to serve as the Parent Council Representative of the local chapter of the NAACP.  In that role, I am charged with bringing together African–American parents in the school and creating an opportunity to share information, network, and discuss issues that affect our children in the school.

 In preparation for this, I began reflecting on my past experiences as a teacher…. Wondering what am I going to do?

 

The MLK Memorial

Yesterday, Nia and I went to see the new Martin Luther King Jr. memorial down on the national mall. It was an interesting experience that I thought I’d share with you.

As I was traveling on the metro subway to get to the memorial, I was a little apprehensive. I had heard about all the controversy surrounding the sculptor, the stone used and the mis-quote… my expectation was rather low. I also was contemplating how Dr. King would feel today if he were here to see the state of our country. I shutter to think what he would say to those forces in our country seeking to destroy, instead of build.  But, I didn’t want to spoil the experience for Nia, so I kept quiet and walked to the memorial.

When we arrived, I got really excited.

 

The Arts in Education: It’s Up to Us!

   How is everyone doing? I hope you had a good restful summer. I expect that you followed my advice and kept your kids’ brain engaged this summer. Although, I had to pull teeth… Nia read throughout the summer, wrote several stories and practice her math skills, I had to bribe her with taking away trips to the pool if she didn’t do her work!

She also attended some meetings of the SOS March planning committee, and even gave her opinions of some questions march organizers had that needed the perspective of a kid! So, she got a taste of  organizing and social activism too!

Last week, we took a trip to see some friends in New York,

 

Yeah, Technology Changes Lives…

Child using technology

(Original posting February, 2010)

Hello Family

I was on Twitter recently and I saw a tweet where someone asked the question, “Can social media be blamed for the lowering of achievement scores in today’s youth, especially in communities of color”?

I thought for a minute, I figured that most people would believe that although social media may not be helping the cause, it’s pretty much the prevailing view that the causes of  lower achievement scores among today’s youth in communities of color, was in existence long before social media and other new technologies of communication came into existence.

We know that social media is a widely used form of communication and entertainment for youth. Most kids have accounts at many of the major social media sites including Face Book, MySpace, Digg, Twitter and Reddit.  We also know many teachers, parents, mentors and community leaders have profiles on these same social media sites. Some of us use our accounts to teach and inform our youth, while others of us do not.

So then I went on Face Book to catch up with some friends.

 

Arts in Education, A Friendly Reminder

Original Posting
March 15, 2009

As I write this I give humble appreciation to another honored teacher, Professor Henri Edmonds,  HU College of Fine Arts, who transitioned in the Spring 0f 2009, and to my teacher, I love you Professor Edmonds. …. AMEN

Hello Family,

Just want to remind everyone to continue their advocacy for the increased funding of arts education programs in our schools and community based organizations.

 

Hello Family: Celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month!

Hello Family: Celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month

I just came back from a drive back home.

For those of you who know me,  that means through  the Allegheny Mountains of western Maryland and Pennsylvania; to Pittsburgh PA, or as we natives like to call it, “The Burg!” The ride was cool; Nia and I enjoyed traveling through the tunnels. It’s a nice trip in the springtime.  With my brother, we took a ride to our old neighborhood The Hill District, not far from Oakland; which is where the University of Pittsburgh is.  While up on The Hill, we took Nia to show her the places where funny family stories actually took place.  (smile)

In honor of Jazz Appreciation Month, I began thinking about the rich history the Hill District plays in the national landscape of jazz music and the Pittsburgh black arts scene in general.