"Being a black educator who serves students who speak multiple languages gives way to many blessings. Not only am I able to share cultural experiences, but I can also empathize with those in the minority. Children of color need more racially and culturally diverse educators in our classrooms. In fact, all students need a greater representation of diversity in education to embody the power of change through education and social justice. I am proud to be a part of that change."

"When I came to South Carolina, I was shocked to find out that in my county...for at least three years, I was the only Black teacher in our department, and I couldn't figure out why...

"I found an article written by an entity out of California...where they have said through their empirical research that oftentimes Black teachers are not offered the opportunity to teach English as a second language or as a foreign language because the Black educators are deemed unqualified to teach English.

"As we are into Black History Month, one thing as a Black woman that I want to be sure that I do is support good educators, but also shine light on the lack of diversity in one of the departments that should be the most diverse out of any other department across our curriculums."

"I have been in the field of multilingual education for eight years. I have worked in our field as an ESOL Teacher, an ESOL Lead Teacher, and currently an ML Coach. I love providing teachers and students with strategies and support that will help them be successful. I do not take for granted the sacrifices made by my ancestors for me to be in a position to learn, go to college, and teach. I reflect on the work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and educators such as Lucy Craft Laney and Mary McLeod Bethune. 

"I enjoy celebrating and learning about the cultures, languages and traditions of our diverse population of multilingual learners. I believe that everyone has a story. I hope that by sharing stories about my own heritage will help our multilingual learners to share their own. Our stories also include challenges. Sharing my challenges will help students to see that they can overcome theirs as well. 

"Sometimes the only images of people of color that our students may see are negative. So the impact that I can have as a woman of color is profound. When others see me, they will see positivity, they will see a leader, they will see an intelligent Queen. One of my original quotes is, "You are a Prototype, not a stereotype." I would use this quote to remind my students that they were one of a kind. 

"I realize that as the first African American Lead ESOL Teacher in my previous district, I blazed a trail. This trail was not for others to follow, but for others to make their own footprints in the field of multilingual education. 

"Here is a poem I wrote to all of our students: 

I See You

I see you.

I see your hopes and dreams. 

I see your endless possibilities. 

I see your potential that has yet to be released. 

I see what you Can Do and will help you to see it too. 

I value you.

I hear your voice.

Your success is important to me

And I know it is important to you

Because I see you."

"As an African-American woman, I am honored to be a part of Multilingual Education.  There are not many women of color represented in this role and educational research shows that having diversity is best for promoting a positive community of learners.  As a minority, I can identify and empathize with Multilingual Learners as they work to achieve educational success.

"This gives me a great sense of purpose as I help Multilingual Learners successfully build their confidence as they become proficient in the English language."

“Students who feel that they belong have more positive attitudes about school, academic engagement and will invest more of themselves in the learning process." (Karen F. Osterman)

"A lack of connection is a barrier to learning. Each day, I strive to provide a sense of belonging within my designated educational space. As an equity advocate, I constantly reflect on ways to create positive feelings when interacting with multilingual students and their families. Sometimes, it's something as simple as a greeting in the morning or a subtle smile as they transition from one class to the next. Other times, it's asking them if they need any help from me or complimenting their effort during a lesson. My intention is for them to feel heard, seen, and appreciated. Over time, the way they feel on the inside starts to radiate on the outside; their confidence leads to competence. I hope these small interactions will have a positive impact and make their journey through life a little easier."

"Since I was young, I've always been attracted to culture; my own and other people's. I would read National Geographic like it was Right On magazine (No one under 35 will know what I'm talking about). I always wanted to know more about people and the things that tied us together.  I especially wanted to know what essential things were at the heart of all cultures.

"The other part of my story is that one day my daddy cried as he told me how he had to stop going to school after the sixth grade. He had to help take care of his family. My father's hurt motivated me. I wanted to give every child I came across a chance to learn and not just learn...think. I don't want them to just think, but think critically about everything.  

"So when the opportunity came for my two passions to collide, I jumped on it. To be honest, I didn't think about being an African American woman in a field of not so many women of color.  At least not until I started going to Professional Developments, attending classes, and going for my Masters degree. Most people I encountered were wonderful and added to my excitement about teaching ESOL. Most people I meet are wonderful and welcoming. Occasionally I hear, out of all the things you could teach, why ESOL? Or, sometimes I am treated as if I know less before I even open my mouth or perform any task. Gratefully, those occurrences are few and far between; or maybe I have trained myself to notice them less.

"The beautiful thing about teaching in the Multilingual Learner Program here in SC is that I get to meet, get to know, teach, and learn from a diverse population of learners who, for the most part, are eager to learn and anxious to create a wonderful life for themselves and their families.

"I absolutely love what I do, even on difficult days. I'd like to think that over the years I've given my students a chance to experience my culture, know that every person has potential, and understand that essentially, in all the ways that matter, we are the same. We all love, we all struggle, we all want what's best for ourselves and our families, and education is the one thing no one can take away from you once you have it. 

"ESOL has done more for me than my travels around the world. I wish more women of color would join the profession, especially those who like to be advocates. The children of ESOL and their families need more advocates. I've been working with MLs for more than 20 years. It's hard work, but the students keep me coming back year after year. I've met some truly wonderful colleagues who I felt supported by, and anyone who comes to the profession will find the same. There are small and large bumps in the road, but the smooth parts more than make up for them."