In celebration of Black History Month, we are acknowledging and uplifting Black teacher residents who are part of NCTR Network teacher residency programs, eager to begin teaching a class of students as a teacher of record and make a difference in their communities.
Danielle Taylor, Alternative Pathways to Educator Certification (APEC)
Why did you decide to take part in the teacher residency program?
After I graduated college, I had difficulty deciding what I wanted to do as a career. So, I became a substitute teacher and while doing this my love for the students and the classroom grew stronger. A teacher told me about the Alternative Pathways to Educator Certification (APEC) program and encouraged me to look into it. I took charge of the opportunity and have been intrigued ever since with our education system.
How has being part of the program contributed to your life?
Being a part of this program allowed me to step into my purpose. It gave me hope that all the knowledge I have acquired is not for my self but for others. I now get up everyday knowing I can capture a heart through love and compassion and serve as a mentor to my students.
What does being a Black teacher mean to you?
Being a Black teacher means being apart of a community that disrupts harmful rhetoric and exclusionary practices in education. It means I get the opportunity to serve as an advocate for all students but especially Black and brown students who are often underrepresented. It means I have the ammunition to close the achievement gap and reduce discipline disparities.
How do you think schools and districts can best support you as a Black teacher?
I think schools and districts can best support me as a Black teacher by allowing me to increase the use of Black representation in school curriculum, conduct equity audits to promote an environment that is conducive to the growth of everyone, and identify and eliminate root causes of institutional barriers to equity for Black students, families, and educators.
What are you looking forward to most upon completion?
I am looking forward to promoting diversity in Early Childhood Education. Due to the national teacher shortage and effects of COVD-19, I believe that most of our students age 4-8 have experienced a deficit in the area of diversity. To solve this issue, I can create an environment within my classroom that encourages cultural discussions, celebrates differences, showing them multiple ways of doing one thing, and instilling in them the importance of treating people with respect regardless of their background.
Posted February 22, 2023