School Talk
How were you introduced to Chicago Public Fund?
I conducted professional development workshops for Big Shoulders, which is a foundation to assist Catholic school students with tuition. In the midst of helping them, parents would ask if there was anything like that for public school students. I researched and found the Chicago Public School fund and noticed that my services could be beneficial to them as well, especially since I am a product of CPS.
Although you’re currently residing in Chicago, as a teacher, how do you feel about Florida’s new standards of setting reading and math goals by race and ethnicity? Do you think this idea would help or hurt students if it happened in Chicago, too?
Indeed the new Florida standard may seem harsh and unfair to some but not me. If the benefits of certain public schools are based on the taxes being paid in the area, then it's obvious that the more affluent areas will have schools with better benefits and resources. With better resources come better salaries for better teachers and enriched curriculum. If students in those schools have had the benefits since pre-K and are now being tested in eighth grade, how can their tests be any comparison to a student who has attended a lower middle class school? If the Florida school district has broken down statistics and made themselves aware of the demographics in affluent areas then they know Asians and European students have had the benefits of better schools, therefore they are at state level in reading in math and should be held to a higher standard. Whereas some African-American and Latino students may not have been as privileged. I think it's only fair and helpful for students to be tested at their level.
You say that your love for students transcends your salary, but so many teachers are overworked and underpaid. The 2012 Chicago Public School strike was an obvious reminder of that. What advice do you have for other potential teachers? What should they know before going into education?
If your goal is to become an educator, I say go for it but with this is in mind. Public servants are just that, public servants. The salary will never equate to the amount of work that you put in because it is a labor of love. Indeed this teachers' strike was a necessary one, but their tasks will still be greater than their monetary rewards. The graduation rehearsals or the conversation with students that tell you that you encouraged them to to do better are those intangible rewards that make the effort well worth it. I would tell someone now who aspires to be in education to use the classroom as a stepping stone for change, advance yourself to work for the board, or start a charter school or write curriculum and textbooks. Don't stop at the classroom. Strive to climb the ladder where you can see a change in your students and your salary.
How do you feel about certain programs being cut out of some schools, mainly in arts? Do you feel this is important for today’s youth or should they stay more focused on reading and math?
It is disappointing that these programs are being cut, just as it was when mechanical shop class and home economics were cut. These basic life skills were needed just as music and art classes are needed to tap into talents of the many students who may not excel in math and reading. Math and reading surround every career path that can be taken which is why it is imperative that they have more of the focus. I feel that a balance is needed. Yes, math and reading should maintain a serious focus, but extended care programs or elective programs should be in place to advance students with art, music and life skill courses.
Since your bachelor’s degree was in journalism and you are currently a member of the National Association of Black Journalists, what made you decide to focus on education instead?
When I was writing for the Macomb Journal I noticed that I had more fun tutoring on Saturdays than I did covering events and interviewing the homecoming artists. Later I worked with the Rand brothers on the Chicago Football Classic and got a taste of having to report on things that did not interest me for the sake of the company. During that time I was offered another position with Project Achieve to teach ACT skills and enjoyed those students as well. I felt like education was my calling, mainly in the English and communication sector, which is where journalism assisted me.
What has been your biggest challenge as a teacher in today’s public schools? How did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge was dealing with parents who were not supportive of their children. I overcame this by understanding that every set of parents are not like mine. Every mother is not her daughter's biggest cheerleader and every father is not encouraging and supportive. To see students attend with no coats or see young girls begging for attention in negative ways because they get none at home was heartbreaking. Instead of complaining or trying to change an adult, I changed my approach. I purchased the coats, or became that cheerleader, or made sure I gave that student a little extra attention. This is why it's said that a teacher is a mother, father, counselor and coach.
What is your favorite part of teaching? Tell us about the most memorable moment in your teaching career.
I love my students and they love me. My favorite part is watching that light bulb come on in their heads where I have introduced them to something they have never heard of or forced them to tap into potential that they didn't know they had. Each year my students met or exceeded the state standard in language arts and that made me proud. It felt like a promotion. That was a memorable moment. In 2010, an eighth grade class was asked to write an article about a person whose shoes they would want to walk in one day. This assignment was given by their life skills teacher, the late T.H.K. Daniels. Mr. Daniels waited until the following year to put one of those papers on my desk, and amidst the Nicki Minaj and Beyonce papers, there was me. I was so proud that one of those students admired me enough to say she wanted to walk in my shoes. Made me smile!
With today’s youth focused on entertainment, how do you think professional educators can continue to make education a priority?
When working with youth everything has to be interesting and current. Entertainment can be used as a means to enforce math skills, language arts and reading comprehension. Students can keep their dreams alive as it relates to entertainment, but it is on the educator to share the statistics of how much work it is to become an entertainer or athlete or explain that many of their favorite entertainers are highly educated. Educators have to express how much of a tool education is as it relates to always having a back-up plan or an additional tool to use should Plan A not pan out.
As a public school graduate, what are your thoughts on private schools versus public schools versus charter schools?
I think that parents should choose wisely. I've attended public, Catholic and charter schools and I do feel like I had my best experience at a public school. Catholic schools do have more structure and charter schools have smaller classrooms, and I think that parents should be clear on the type of learner and the type of student their child is and base their school selection on that. I am a social butterfly. My motivation to achieve in high school was to ensure I could remain on the swim team, attend homecoming and get that new outfit for the pep rally. If you know your child's motivation is music then maybe a charter school for the arts would appeal to them. Or, if your child is really into science and animals the lab schools may work best. We have a variety of schools because we have a variety of students.
You are a current member of Christ Universal Temple. Has church influenced your educational goals?
My church has always been a major supporter of my goals. The program that I teach at I was a product of. I was sponsored to attend college tours in high school, which let me walk on campus and meet Greeks and students who were active on campus, inspiring me to want that for myself. My spirituality has kept me grounded and allowed me to always keep the faith and put God first, which is why I am so blessed. My ministers have been right there at every graduation celebration, birthday and wedding. My church gave me my first after-school job and continues to support me with this endeavor of Miss Plus Illinois.
I conducted professional development workshops for Big Shoulders, which is a foundation to assist Catholic school students with tuition. In the midst of helping them, parents would ask if there was anything like that for public school students. I researched and found the Chicago Public School fund and noticed that my services could be beneficial to them as well, especially since I am a product of CPS.
Although you’re currently residing in Chicago, as a teacher, how do you feel about Florida’s new standards of setting reading and math goals by race and ethnicity? Do you think this idea would help or hurt students if it happened in Chicago, too?
Indeed the new Florida standard may seem harsh and unfair to some but not me. If the benefits of certain public schools are based on the taxes being paid in the area, then it's obvious that the more affluent areas will have schools with better benefits and resources. With better resources come better salaries for better teachers and enriched curriculum. If students in those schools have had the benefits since pre-K and are now being tested in eighth grade, how can their tests be any comparison to a student who has attended a lower middle class school? If the Florida school district has broken down statistics and made themselves aware of the demographics in affluent areas then they know Asians and European students have had the benefits of better schools, therefore they are at state level in reading in math and should be held to a higher standard. Whereas some African-American and Latino students may not have been as privileged. I think it's only fair and helpful for students to be tested at their level.
You say that your love for students transcends your salary, but so many teachers are overworked and underpaid. The 2012 Chicago Public School strike was an obvious reminder of that. What advice do you have for other potential teachers? What should they know before going into education?
If your goal is to become an educator, I say go for it but with this is in mind. Public servants are just that, public servants. The salary will never equate to the amount of work that you put in because it is a labor of love. Indeed this teachers' strike was a necessary one, but their tasks will still be greater than their monetary rewards. The graduation rehearsals or the conversation with students that tell you that you encouraged them to to do better are those intangible rewards that make the effort well worth it. I would tell someone now who aspires to be in education to use the classroom as a stepping stone for change, advance yourself to work for the board, or start a charter school or write curriculum and textbooks. Don't stop at the classroom. Strive to climb the ladder where you can see a change in your students and your salary.
How do you feel about certain programs being cut out of some schools, mainly in arts? Do you feel this is important for today’s youth or should they stay more focused on reading and math?
It is disappointing that these programs are being cut, just as it was when mechanical shop class and home economics were cut. These basic life skills were needed just as music and art classes are needed to tap into talents of the many students who may not excel in math and reading. Math and reading surround every career path that can be taken which is why it is imperative that they have more of the focus. I feel that a balance is needed. Yes, math and reading should maintain a serious focus, but extended care programs or elective programs should be in place to advance students with art, music and life skill courses.
Since your bachelor’s degree was in journalism and you are currently a member of the National Association of Black Journalists, what made you decide to focus on education instead?
When I was writing for the Macomb Journal I noticed that I had more fun tutoring on Saturdays than I did covering events and interviewing the homecoming artists. Later I worked with the Rand brothers on the Chicago Football Classic and got a taste of having to report on things that did not interest me for the sake of the company. During that time I was offered another position with Project Achieve to teach ACT skills and enjoyed those students as well. I felt like education was my calling, mainly in the English and communication sector, which is where journalism assisted me.
What has been your biggest challenge as a teacher in today’s public schools? How did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge was dealing with parents who were not supportive of their children. I overcame this by understanding that every set of parents are not like mine. Every mother is not her daughter's biggest cheerleader and every father is not encouraging and supportive. To see students attend with no coats or see young girls begging for attention in negative ways because they get none at home was heartbreaking. Instead of complaining or trying to change an adult, I changed my approach. I purchased the coats, or became that cheerleader, or made sure I gave that student a little extra attention. This is why it's said that a teacher is a mother, father, counselor and coach.
What is your favorite part of teaching? Tell us about the most memorable moment in your teaching career.
I love my students and they love me. My favorite part is watching that light bulb come on in their heads where I have introduced them to something they have never heard of or forced them to tap into potential that they didn't know they had. Each year my students met or exceeded the state standard in language arts and that made me proud. It felt like a promotion. That was a memorable moment. In 2010, an eighth grade class was asked to write an article about a person whose shoes they would want to walk in one day. This assignment was given by their life skills teacher, the late T.H.K. Daniels. Mr. Daniels waited until the following year to put one of those papers on my desk, and amidst the Nicki Minaj and Beyonce papers, there was me. I was so proud that one of those students admired me enough to say she wanted to walk in my shoes. Made me smile!
With today’s youth focused on entertainment, how do you think professional educators can continue to make education a priority?
When working with youth everything has to be interesting and current. Entertainment can be used as a means to enforce math skills, language arts and reading comprehension. Students can keep their dreams alive as it relates to entertainment, but it is on the educator to share the statistics of how much work it is to become an entertainer or athlete or explain that many of their favorite entertainers are highly educated. Educators have to express how much of a tool education is as it relates to always having a back-up plan or an additional tool to use should Plan A not pan out.
As a public school graduate, what are your thoughts on private schools versus public schools versus charter schools?
I think that parents should choose wisely. I've attended public, Catholic and charter schools and I do feel like I had my best experience at a public school. Catholic schools do have more structure and charter schools have smaller classrooms, and I think that parents should be clear on the type of learner and the type of student their child is and base their school selection on that. I am a social butterfly. My motivation to achieve in high school was to ensure I could remain on the swim team, attend homecoming and get that new outfit for the pep rally. If you know your child's motivation is music then maybe a charter school for the arts would appeal to them. Or, if your child is really into science and animals the lab schools may work best. We have a variety of schools because we have a variety of students.
You are a current member of Christ Universal Temple. Has church influenced your educational goals?
My church has always been a major supporter of my goals. The program that I teach at I was a product of. I was sponsored to attend college tours in high school, which let me walk on campus and meet Greeks and students who were active on campus, inspiring me to want that for myself. My spirituality has kept me grounded and allowed me to always keep the faith and put God first, which is why I am so blessed. My ministers have been right there at every graduation celebration, birthday and wedding. My church gave me my first after-school job and continues to support me with this endeavor of Miss Plus Illinois.
Debutantes of 2011 at Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc, Phi Epsilon Omega Chapter's Scholarship Cotillion: These high school young ladies attended 12 workshops. Hareder conducted communication and interviewing etiquette and community service. They're then presented to society as young women and receive college scholarships.
Who/what influenced you to pursue higher education?
I am blessed to have a family that has experienced all that life has to offer, the good and the bad. I noticed that many of the struggles that some of them endured was due to lack of planning a fulfilling career, which starts with an education. My mother and grandmother always promoted education as a tool of independence, especially as a woman. I was taught that the more I educate myself in any sector, the more power I have and the less I can get taken advantage of. Knowledge is truly power and information is a weapon. I strive to be a powerful woman.
On a professional note, who is your mentor and why? And who is your personal mentor?
My personal mentor is my professional mentor. I am blessed to have a soror who has been in my life for the past 10 years. I met her my freshman year in college when she was the graduate adviser for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Throughout the years I have watched her be superwoman. Dr. Bakahia Reed-Madison has continued to advance her career in clinical psychology as well as her education. She was one of only four women to receive her doctorate of clinical psychology in 2010, while maintaining her position as director of Haymarket (a substance abuse center), writing curriculum for Governors state University, holding positions on AKA's national directorate, and being a devoted wife of over 20 years and mother of a teenager. She has done all of this in style, never missing a hair appointment, shoe sale or spa date. Watching her gives me hope that yes as women we can do it all, and do it all well. As a woman, I can go to her about anything, and since we are not related, there can be unbiased uncensored advice, criticism and words of wisdom.
How are you able to balance your social life as a newly wed and soror member with your professional life as a teacher? How important do you feel about both?
I've loved being a busybody since i was a baby and I hate idle time. Therefore I enjoy chaos. I only need five hours of sleep and there are enough hours in the day if you plan it well. My husband comes first over any other family member and he knows that. We always plan our time together well, where we cut out the rest of the world. He is also Greek so he understands my commitment to my sorority and the vow I took to serve for life in 2003. Sometimes I do feel like an octopus with all arms being pulled, but because of that I am blessed to be able to look in so many directions for love and support when the times come. I enjoy my profession so it is effortless and because I have such a supportive husband, my professional schedule is flexible, allowing me to take on additional tasks.
In 50 words or less, tell us something/someone who immediately puts a smile on your face. Why?
My great niece Kaleah. When she looks at me she thinks I can do anything. She grabs me and says "I'm pretty like my Auntie." It tickles me because as she grows that list will grow. She'll know because my auntie did so much I can do even more. No excuses.
I am blessed to have a family that has experienced all that life has to offer, the good and the bad. I noticed that many of the struggles that some of them endured was due to lack of planning a fulfilling career, which starts with an education. My mother and grandmother always promoted education as a tool of independence, especially as a woman. I was taught that the more I educate myself in any sector, the more power I have and the less I can get taken advantage of. Knowledge is truly power and information is a weapon. I strive to be a powerful woman.
On a professional note, who is your mentor and why? And who is your personal mentor?
My personal mentor is my professional mentor. I am blessed to have a soror who has been in my life for the past 10 years. I met her my freshman year in college when she was the graduate adviser for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Throughout the years I have watched her be superwoman. Dr. Bakahia Reed-Madison has continued to advance her career in clinical psychology as well as her education. She was one of only four women to receive her doctorate of clinical psychology in 2010, while maintaining her position as director of Haymarket (a substance abuse center), writing curriculum for Governors state University, holding positions on AKA's national directorate, and being a devoted wife of over 20 years and mother of a teenager. She has done all of this in style, never missing a hair appointment, shoe sale or spa date. Watching her gives me hope that yes as women we can do it all, and do it all well. As a woman, I can go to her about anything, and since we are not related, there can be unbiased uncensored advice, criticism and words of wisdom.
How are you able to balance your social life as a newly wed and soror member with your professional life as a teacher? How important do you feel about both?
I've loved being a busybody since i was a baby and I hate idle time. Therefore I enjoy chaos. I only need five hours of sleep and there are enough hours in the day if you plan it well. My husband comes first over any other family member and he knows that. We always plan our time together well, where we cut out the rest of the world. He is also Greek so he understands my commitment to my sorority and the vow I took to serve for life in 2003. Sometimes I do feel like an octopus with all arms being pulled, but because of that I am blessed to be able to look in so many directions for love and support when the times come. I enjoy my profession so it is effortless and because I have such a supportive husband, my professional schedule is flexible, allowing me to take on additional tasks.
In 50 words or less, tell us something/someone who immediately puts a smile on your face. Why?
My great niece Kaleah. When she looks at me she thinks I can do anything. She grabs me and says "I'm pretty like my Auntie." It tickles me because as she grows that list will grow. She'll know because my auntie did so much I can do even more. No excuses.