We Can Unify and Win Better Schools for Our Kids. Here’s How.

During my 33-year journey in public education, I’ve repeatedly experienced the power of unity in achieving desired student outcomes, especially since founding a charter public…

Every Class Has a ‘Unicorn’ Child, And We Have to Teach Them Creatively

I encountered my first “unicorn” three years ago. She burst into my classroom announcing, Hello! Nice classroom you got there. Oh … thank you. Are…

My 7-Year-Old Helped Frame Her IEP Goals

Having a child with a disability, and becoming disabled myself, has put me through a boot-camp that prepared me for the war for quality services…

As a Black Male Educator, I Get to Be a Superhero for Students Too Often Left Behind

Teaching is one of my greatest gifts. Seeing my mother’s life’s work as a teacher in Dekalb County created my blueprint for what the life…

Here’s How I Know Our Schools Need More Teachers of Color, Like Me

You don’t wash your hair every day? How often do you wash it? Every other week?!” The fifth grader with blonde hair that reached just past her…

Black and Latino Students Are Locked Out of Advanced Classes While White Students Reap the Benefits

In schools across America, Black and Latino students are being pushed into less advanced courses, while their White peers reap the benefits of taking advanced…

I Don’t Want to Hear Another Argument About How Charter Schools Are Killing Public Schools

Dear America,  Please don’t bother my community with anti-charter school arguments in 2020. That’s unless you’re willing to get involved with majority-Black attended public schools…

My Family Didn’t Think We’d Choose a Charter School But It Turned Out to Be an Amazing Experience

I never thought I would attend a charter school until my mother decided to enroll me into YES Prep Public Schools in Houston. At the…

This Mom and Her Three Kids Graduated College With Support From Their Charter School

When my oldest daughter, Nayeri, started at YES Prep Southeast in Houston, it was hard to leave her old school and her friends. It was…

Teachers, Why Are We Quicker to Call Parents About Kids’ Behavior Than About Their Academic Performance?

Recently, I came across a tweet that resonated with my beliefs: This is problematic. As an educator, I know behavior and academics are linked. Sometimes…