We Didn’t Walk at Graduation, But That’s the Least of the Challenges We’ve Overcome

On May 28th, my fellow classmates and I graduated from KIPP Academy Lynn Collegiate, part of a K-12 charter public school network in Lynn, Massachusetts.…

First-Gen Students, The World Needs Us Now More Than Ever

Dear High School and Undergraduate Seniors,  I am no expert. This my story, and I hope it is one many of you can relate to…

I’m a Black Woman on My Way to Becoming a Doctor Because I Never Gave Up

I grew up believing that excellence is not an option, but rather an obligation.  I breezed through high school. I didn’t have to study hard…

We Know Mississippi Can Improve Its Schools, If Only Our Leaders Would Get On Board

The state of Mississippi is often the butt of many jokes revolving around intelligence and education—or lack thereof. These jokes don’t happen for no reason;…

ZIP Code May Not Be Destiny, But It’s as Hard to Fight as Gravity

One Saturday I was picking my daughter up from a birthday party at one of those modern-day upscale arcades, and I was surprised to run…

I Know What Can Happen When a Teacher Never Gives Up on a Student

This Teacher Appreciation Week, I am reminiscing about Ms. Holmes, my fifth grade teacher. I never could understand why this woman made so many sacrifices…

Here’s How a Trauma-Informed Approach to Remote Teaching Can Help Students Succeed

Every teacher in every school has students who have experienced or are living with trauma in their lives—and many recognize that the trauma may be…

The Most Important Resource I Can Offer My Students Right Now Is Access to Me

When Texas Governor Greg Abbott shuttered schools for the rest of the academic year, the first person I thought of was one of my first-grade…

If You Want to Know What Works for Students With Dyslexia, Ask Them

Imagine you are a mature, intelligent middle-school student who finds it difficult to write anything—numbers or letters—on paper in a way that makes sense. You…

What the Coronavirus Can Teach Us About Empathy and Equity in Schools

We’re facing a global emergency where tens of millions of children are seeing their education disrupted. But the truth is that for many kids and…