The Sunshine House Early Learning Academy’s Post

James Baldwin — 'You have to decide who you are and force the world to deal with you, not with its idea of you.' Why are so few Black men teachers in New York City? By Amaya McDonald, NYCity News Service Mar 8, 2023, 5:13pm EDT This story is part of Hard Lessons, the NYCity News Service’s look at what city schools have learned from the pandemic. Black students make up around a quarter of the city’s more than one million public-school pupils. However, Black instructors are disproportionately underrepresented among the faculty who teach them. Only 19% of educators in New York City’s public schools are Black—and only 4% of the city’s educators are Black men.  The scarcity of Black men is glaring for a system in which Black male students are more likely to be chronically absent and are among those least likely to graduate from high school in four years.  https://lnkd.in/euqKdAva The last Sunday of my Birthday Month and #NationalPrincipalsMonth 2023 The two pictures include 8 teachers (Victor John, Cordel Blair, Rachel Hill, Nick Falzone (Rest In Peace), Harold I., Brian Lewis, Will Ehrenfeld, and Duane Williamson) who I mentored through school building leadership programs. I was fortunate enough to be able to hire them in assistant principal positions after mentoring them through school building leadership programs. Two of the 8 are principals during this 2023 National Principals Month, 1 Education Administrator and 4 Interim Acting Assistant Principals. October 29, 2023, is the 3rd anniversary of TheMister Falzone Nicholas Peter Falzone's death. Mr. Falzone worked with all 4 Interim Acting Assistant Principals. https://lnkd.in/eiqCimBJ P-TECH has produced college graduates in the 7 states #Colorado #Connecticut #Illinois #Maryland #newyork #rhodesisland and #texas. The state of Texas had 235 P-TECHs in school year 2021-2022. Dallas, Texas has a P-TECH in each high school in Dallas Independent School District. #skillsbuild #skillsfirst #skills2030 #weareptech www.ptech.org

James Baldwin — 'You have to decide who you are and force the world to deal with you, not with its idea of you.' Why are so few Black men teachers in New York City? By Amaya McDonald, NYCity News Service Mar 8, 2023, 5:13pm EDT This story is part of Hard Lessons, the NYCity News Service’s look at what city schools have learned from the pandemic. Black students make up around a quarter of the city’s more than one million public-school pupils. However, Black instructors are disproportionately underrepresented among the faculty who teach them. Only 19% of educators in New York City’s public schools are Black—and only 4% of the city’s educators are Black men.  The scarcity of Black men is glaring for a system in which Black male students are more likely to be chronically absent and are among those least likely to graduate from high school in four years.  https://lnkd.in/gQF5e5d6 The last Sunday of my Birthday Month and #NationalPrincipalsMonth 2023 The two pictures include 8 teachers (Victor John, Cordel Blair, Rachel Hill, Nick Falzone (Rest In Peace), Harold I., Brian Lewis, Will Ehrenfeld, and Duane Williamson) who I mentored through school building leadership programs. I was fortunate enough to be able to hire them in assistant principal positions after mentoring them through school building leadership programs. Two of the 8 are principals during this 2023 National Principals Month, 1 Education Administrator and 4 Interim Acting Assistant Principals. October 29, 2023, is the 3rd anniversary of TheMister Falzone Nicholas Peter Falzone's death. Mr. Falzone worked with all 4 Interim Acting Assistant Principals. https://lnkd.in/e_fgvCDu P-TECH has produced college graduates in the 7 states #Colorado #Connecticut #Illinois #Maryland #newyork #rhodesisland and #texas. The state of Texas had 235 P-TECHs in school year 2021-2022. Dallas, Texas has a P-TECH in each high school in Dallas Independent School District. #skillsbuild #skillsfirst #skills2030 #weareptech www.ptech.org

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (‘The Duke of Ed’) is an exciting international youth development program in which all of our elected Year 9 Leaders participate, along with other students who nominated to be part of the program. The program plays a pivotal role in developing our students’ leadership skills and resilience as they transition from Middle School into Senior School. A big shout out to Duke of Edinburgh Leader and Head of Inclusion, Kirsty Keay for her passion and drive in leading the Duke of Ed Awards program at KG and to Middle School Principal Jessica Walker for her enthusiasm and support of the program. The program has many benefits including: 1. Personal Development: Participation in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards encourages students to set goals, push their boundaries, and develop essential life skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. 2. Physical Fitness: The program promotes physical activity through its requirements for participation in sports, physical recreation, and adventurous activities, fostering a healthy and active lifestyle among students. 3. Leadership Skills: Students have the opportunity to take on leadership roles within their groups, honing their leadership abilities, decision-making skills, and confidence in their own capabilities. 4. Community Engagement: Through volunteering and service activities, participants contribute positively to their communities, developing empathy, social responsibility, and a sense of civic duty. 5. Resilience and Perseverance: Undertaking the challenges presented by the Duke of Edinburgh Awards cultivates resilience and perseverance in students as they navigate obstacles, setbacks, and the demands of the program. 6. Recognition and Achievement: Completing the program and earning the Duke of Edinburgh Award provides students with a tangible recognition of their efforts, achievements, and personal growth, enhancing their self-esteem and motivation. 7. Global Perspective: The program encourages participants to explore new environments, cultures, and experiences, fostering a broader understanding of the world and promoting global citizenship. Below is a fantastic video produced by Education Queensland showcasing KGSC and our staff and students involved in the program. https://lnkd.in/gRrVMjFv #dukeofedinburgh #dukeofedinburghaward #youthleadership #PersonalGrowth #GlobalCitizenship #nurturinggloballycompetentlearnersleadersandcitizens #ThePursuitofExcellenceWithAllOurMight #YourPreptoPathwaysExperience

Today marks the 70th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision in Brown vs. Board of Education, a pivotal moment in our nation's history that declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional. As we reflect on the progress made since 1954, we also recognize the ongoing challenges in achieving true educational equity. At Baiza and Associates, we are dedicated to continuing the fight for educational justice through our comprehensive work in leadership and school transformation. We believe that every student deserves access to high-quality education, regardless of their background or circumstances. Our team works closely with schools and districts to implement strategies that foster inclusive, equitable, and high-performing educational environments. Through leadership development, professional learning, and data-driven decision-making, we help educators create systems that support all students in reaching their full potential. As we honor this historic anniversary, let us reaffirm our commitment to the principles of equality and justice that Brown vs. Board of Education embodies. Together, we can build a brighter future for all students. #EducationEquity #BrownvBoard70 #Leadership #SchoolTransformation #EdLeadership #EquityInEducation #BaizaAndAssociates

🌟Celebrating a Beacon of Change: The Legacy of Frank Mickens 📚 As we commemorate Black History Month, we spotlight transformative leaders who have made indelible marks on their communities and beyond. Frank Mickens, the esteemed principal of Boys and Girls High School in Central Brooklyn, stands out as a towering figure whose dedication and innovative leadership dramatically improved the lives of countless young people. 🔹 A Visionary in Education Under Mickens' stewardship from the late 1980s until his retirement in 2004, Boys and Girls High School witnessed a phenomenal transformation. The graduation rate doubled, from 24.4% to 47.7%, with 85% of graduates advancing to college. Mickens' formula for success was rooted in discipline, high expectations, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every student. 🔹 The Mickens Method: Discipline, Safety, Success Mickens was renowned for his unconventional yet effective methods. His commitment extended beyond the classroom; he worked tirelessly, and perimeter to ensure a learning environment. With a walkie-talkie and clipboard, his presence was a constant reassurance to students and staff alike. 🔹 A Legacy That Lives On Frank Mickens' impact transcends statistics. He crafted an environment that fostered academic excellence, self-esteem, and safety, empowering students to envision and work towards a brighter future. His legacy is a testament to the power of education as a tool for community upliftment and transformation. 🔹 Reflecting on Our Role As we celebrate the achievements of African American leaders like Frank Mickens this Black History Month, let's also reflect on how we can emulate their spirit of innovation, commitment, and leadership in our own communities. How can we contribute to creating environments that nurture potential and foster success? https://lnkd.in/gASvgRdM #BlackHistoryMonth #Education #Leadership #FrankMickens #CommunityImpact

Fall Fest at Oakton College this week. Very happy to see so many students reaching out for success. Our team is here to support and help our students in any way we can with our FREE services. Check out our class opportunities and so much more: https://lnkd.in/gRf9dz9g Always lead with the students in mind. Remember why they are here. #servantleadership #transformationalleadership #adulteducation #continuingeducation

It's all about serving the students. We work together with students, who help us understand how higher education needs to evolve to serve them better. We pilot their solutions and scale those that make the impact we all seek. Asking students how to improve higher education is a surprisingly radical approach to their success. #REP4 #highereducation #studentcentered #studentsuccess

Charter school leaders of color are not just important; they are essential for creating strong schools that reflect the cultural fabric and rich diversity of their communities. ❤️ In education, the power of representation cannot be overstated. It sends a powerful message to our children: Through hard work and innovation, they can achieve anything they set their minds to. ✨ However, these words carry true meaning when accompanied by real-life examples of individuals from all backgrounds in positions of influence. 🙌🏾 The foundation of representation starts in early education, and having leaders of color in charter schools is crucial for bolstering the confidence of charter students. If you have the privilege of knowing a charter school leader of color, we encourage you to tag them in the comments below to express your deep appreciation for their remarkable contributions! 📚

The Urban Leaders Fellowship has kicked off its 2024 summer fellowship in seven regions this summer led by more than 14 incredible Regional and Policy Directors! #WeveStarted This summer marks an especially important juncture of our 14th year - the relaunching of both the Oakland and Indianapolis regions alongside launching ULF's first ever Inaugural Mentor Program. #Year14 ULF Oakland is led by Georgia Savage with Appointed/Elected Official Meredith Curry Nuñez. Oakland has a long-standing history of impactful local policy and impact with more than 50 alumni going on to led policy and advocacy spaces, serve as Chief of Staff, and Executive Director of local and state organizations. Notable alumni include Kyra Mungia, Forbes 30 Under 30, and Townes Bouchard-Dean of Oakland Thrive. We are excited for Oakland to dig deep in higher education policy - an unchartered arena for ULF. #TeamOakland ULF Indy is led by Danielle Drake, a committed community advocate with Appointed/Elected Official, Karrah Herring, CEIO. Since 2016, ULF Indy has been a critical career intersection for not only K-12 educators, but start-up founders, and civic leaders across the country. Indy alumni include Life Purpose Coach, Angela Choi; Haley Wing, MPA, and Andrew Pillow, who serves our country as an Air Force servicemen. #TeamIndy For the past few weeks, Oakland and Indy fellows have explored the intersection of identity, privilege, power, and class along with leadership style, policy levers, and most importantly self-actualization of the individual and collective change they wish to see in their cities, states, and country. ULF acknowledges that in order to continue to strong experiences aimed at creating more equitable communities, this also means developing our fellows at the highest level. This year we have 9 amazing alumni supporting more than 15 fellows in not only their ULF journey, but also their "next steps." #MentorshipMatters While there is so much work to do, we are excited about the work and transformation that is happening! To learn more about ULF and become a 2025 fellow or partner, please visit https://lnkd.in/gkN2mCwg. #WeAreULF #WelcomeBackIndy #WelcomeBackOakland #WelcomeMentors