Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Black Women Educators, 2022

 

Thanks to all these strong, amazing, talented, phenomenal, inspirational Black Women Educators who replied unequivocally, “yes” when the request went out to share their stories being in the BEST profession which lays the foundation for all other careers.  Readers have been enlightened by those who inspired these Black Queens to greatness of the various paths taken to be on the trajectory God bestowed upon them to use their skills/talents to the fullest.  Yes, they truly represent Black Women Magic Educators being smart, beautiful, successful, educated and much more.  Black love, Black joy, Black excellence, Black brilliance, and Black History.

Say their names – Teresa Spellers, Margo Ford-Crosby, Tanka Eaddy, Pamela Powell, Lisa Carlies, Angela Stevens, Tiffany Tate, Kashama Leo-Henry, Nanette Ausby, Katharine Smith, Danielle Caldwell, Marye Vance, Tammy Sneed, Harriette Bailey, Cynthia Williams-Hills, Shawna Daniels, Michele Miller-Cox, Rubetta Miller-Carr, Angela Searcy, Danielle Johnson, Rena’ Hoggard, Kathy Grace, Holly June, Angela Wilson, Tasha Owens-Green, Angela Morse, Valerie J. McMillan and Brenda K. Williamson.

Black History Month: Celebrating the life and legacy of Black Women Educators – Dr. Brenda Kay Williamson

Who is Dr. Brenda K. Williamson?
(Brenda, Bren, Ms. Brenda, Dr. BK, and Dr. Williamson)

If asked the question, “Who is Dr. Brenda K. Williamson?”  The initial responses one may hear are “She’s a passionate educator who demands no less than the BEST from her students regardless of age and ends all correspondences with Knowledge is powerful!”.  She reiterates, “to whom much is given much is required and why it is so important to give back for the betterment of our fellow human beings which must be done from the heart.” And, from the visions given by God, she’s a “mentor, encourager, motivator, and stretches one out of their comfort zone towards their greatest potentials”.

Let’s dive a little deeper in the life of Dr. Williamson who has been an educator for 36 years.  After graduating from NC Central University with a BA in Elementary Education, she secured a position as a Kindergarten teacher where all her students were African American and ended her teaching career with Pre-K students whom she’s often referenced as “this class looks like the United Nations” (diverse).  She has been facilitating culturally responsive practices way before it became key terms to articulate.

While attending required and optional professional development training where most facilitators were White and Brenda questioned, “Why weren’t there Black presenters?”  So, her childhood memories came into play. “What are you going to do to change the situation?”  Therefore, she started Brenda’s Educational Consultant Services (BECS) so Black educators could see and hear someone who looked like them who was knowledgeable of content and articulate it in a manner for application of best practices.  The next step of her career lattice started teaching at Durham Technical Community College (DTCC) in the Adult Basic Education program where she relied on degree and elementary teaching experiences then transferred to the Early Childhood Education program where she got the representation of being “a hard but fair teacher”.  During this time, she secured her master’s degree in Human Sciences (Thesis – Parenting Styles of African Americans with Preschool Age Children) and Doctor of Philosophy degree in Early Childhood Education (Dissertation – Early Childhood Practitioners’ Strategies for Working with Aggressive Children). Coinciding with obtaining her terminal degrees, she began her tenure at four-year institutions of higher education which were NC Central University, University of Mount Olive, Shaw University and Anderson University in the departments of Human Sciences and Education as assistant and associate professor where students heard quite often “Yes, they said in unison”. 

Brenda has been blessed with a plethora of career opportunities which has expanded her experiences in addition to ones shared above where she conducted research at Frank Porter Graham on strategies to lessen aggressive challenging behaviors of children enrolled in Head Start programs, a contributor to the North Carolina Foundations for Early Learning and Development book (see page vii) along with being a consultant for Teaching Strategies traveling throughout the United States building both professional and personal friendships.  In addition, she served on NCaeyc Board of Directors chair of Public Policy, NAEYC’s Higher Education Accreditation Peer Reviewer, Durham Technical Community College Early Childhood Education Advisory Committee and Durham Head Start School Readiness Committee.

God has brought multiple events full circle for Dr. Williamson through giving, to the County Outreach Ministry (food, STEM summer camp, Back-to-School), proctoring at local elementary school, providing food during Thanksgiving and Christmas for selected families, and donating along with delivering school supplies to “Dr. Williamson loves Pre-K teachers” recipients.  It was important that she modeled what was reiterated to her students throughout the semester, “we are called to service through our actions”.

From childhood, her maternal grandmother Lottie Louise Barksdale Gunter instilled the importance of being still and listening to God as He guides one’s life.  One visionary call to action God laid on Brenda’s heart was the focus on equitable work ensuring she leaves an impactful mark on lives of young and mature adults. The three action steps taken were, where she championed DTCC Early Childhood Education faculty to intentionally interweave equity cultural anti-bias practices into all coursework at county level and at the State level she started the NCaeyc Equity Circle in Education with phenomenal co-facilitators Dr. Valerie J. McMillan and Angela Wilson.  After approximately after six months, additional co-facilitators were brought on and there were Margo Ford-Crosby, Kelly Green, Tammy Sneed, and Joanna Aquillar where the format has been a safe brave candid space for conversations on timely issues along with self-reflections for actionable changes for a better society at-large.  In addition, the central focus of her presentations has centered around strategies/techniques to reduce/eliminate the suspension/expulsion of African American preschool age children which has presented at NAEYC and Smart Start.

Every morning as Brenda rises, she carves out time for morning devotion to commune with God through scripture readings and spiritual songs which are followed by reciting affirmations.  Here are three of those daily affirmations (1) I expand in abundance, success, and love every day, as I inspire those around me to do the same, (2) I commit to living in my Zone of Genius now and forever, and (3) I commit to maximizing my money by expanding my mind.

Scripture~ . . . the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. Proverbs 18:15

Knowledge is powerful towards being an agent of social justice change through ACTIONS living in your purposeful life using skills/talents bestowed upon you.

Black History Month: Celebrating the life and legacy of Black Women Educators – Dr. Valerie J. McMillan

 

Dr. McMillan is a seasoned early childhood professional of 35 years in early care and education.  She has a broad background in human development and family studies, with specific training and expertise in the areas of child development, early childhood education, family systems, assessment and evaluation of young children, and culturally relevant and responsive perspectives and instructional practices.

Dr. McMillan is a leading Associate Professor in Child Development and Family Studies in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences at North Carolina A&T State University.  She is the Program Coordinator of the M.A.T. Child Development, Early Education and Family Studies (Birth-Kindergarten) program, Interim Program Coordinator for the M.A.T. Family and Consumer Sciences Education program, and faculty liaison for the Child Development Laboratory.  Dr. McMillan has facilitated 100+ undergraduate students’ successful entry into the early childhood workforce as teachers, center directors and assistant directors, parent educators, family advocates, program coordinators, child development specialists, early interventionists, and extension agents.

Dr. McMillan actively engages in scholarship that includes obtainment of teaching and research grants totaling over $1.2 million, published articles and technical reports, and delivered 100+ presentations at local, state, national, and international meetings and conferences that focused on the care, education and support of diverse young children and their families. 

In 2007, the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences recognized Dr. McMillan as the Academic Advisor of the Year.  In 2011 and 2019, she received the Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award from the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences and the Award for Excellence in Teaching from the N.C. A&T Chapter of Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society.  She received the Early Childhood Champion Award from Guilford Child Development in 2017.  Dr. McMillan received the University of North Carolina System’s 2019 Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching. 

Dr. McMillan dedicates herself to professional service that positively impacts the lives of young children and their families.  Her portfolio of service includes former membership on the North Carolina Association for the Education of Young Children’s Governing Board, North Carolina Curriculum and Ongoing Assessment Committee, North Carolina Partnership for Children Board of Directors, North Carolina Interagency Coordinating Council, and National Association for the Education of Young Children’s Leadership Council.  Currently, Dr. McMillan is a one of three founding Legacy Leaders of the North Carolina Association for the Education of Young Children’s Equity in Early Childhood Education Circle.  Furthermore, she currently serves on the National Coalition for Black Development in Family and Consumer Sciences Board, North Carolina Birth-Kindergarten Higher Education Consortium, Ready for School, Ready for Life Board of Directors (Equity Strategies Committee), School Readiness Collaborative of Guilford County, and Guilford Basics Advisory Board.

Dr. McMillan earned a B.S. in Child Development/Early Childhood Education and a M.Ed. in Elementary Counseling both from South Carolina State University, and a Ph.D. degree in Human Development and Family Studies (emphasis:  Early Childhood Education) at Iowa State University. 

 

Black History Month: Celebrating the life and legacy of Black Women Educators – Angela Morse

 

I was born and raised in a small and rural town - South Hill, Virginia. Even as a child, I knew that I would end up in the field of education since I was surrounded by it. My parents were also educators. I have been in the field of early childhood education since high school. 

I started volunteering at St. Paul's College's Child Development Center, with their preschool classroom and with school agers. After having my experiences with SPC, I wanted to continue my journey in the field of early education. I attended North Carolina Central University and received my bachelor's degree, majoring in Family and Consumer Sciences with a specialization in Child Development and Family Relations. 

After receiving my bachelor's degree, my experience in early childhood continued while teaching at New Beginnings Child Care in Warrenton, North Carolina, which then lead me to becoming a T.E.A.C.H Corp Volunteer and Teacher at Frank Porter Graham Child Development Center. 

When the child care center closed at FPG, I tried my hand with teaching Kindergarten. Teaching Kindergarten helped me to realize that child care is where I truly belonged- preparing little ones for Kindergarten and beyond. I decided to go back into the child care setting and teach preschoolers at UNC Horizons. My experience there was like no other experience in child care. I worked with young children and mothers as they tackled through the challenges of recovery. While serving women and children in recovery, I also began supporting co-teachers with increasing their knowledge in early education. Doing so, encouraged me to take a try and supporting even more teachers in the field of early education by becoming a Technical Assistant with the Partnership for Children of Johnston County. While increasing my knowledge in Technical Assistance, I pursued and completed my master's degree from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington-majoring in Early Childhood Education with a focus in Advocacy, Policy, and Leadership. Currently, I'm currently a Mentor/Evaluator with the Early Educator Support Office at East Carolina University.

I enjoy learning and sharing information that focus on social-emotional skills and diversity to early educators. Most importantly, I enjoy observing children and teachers increase their knowledge and experiences!

Black History Month: Celebrating the life and legacy of Black Women Educators – Tasha Owens-Green

 

Ms. Owens-Green is Senior Researcher for National Center on Subsidy Innovation and Accountability (NCSIA) and provides support to state grantees on the Child Care and Development Fund to help them reach goals related to child care subsidy eligibility, integrating quality child care environments and subsidy, strengthening program integrity, payment rules, rate setting, and other policies and practices that support providing high-quality care to diverse children from low-income with high needs families. Ms. Owens-Green is Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Families Experiencing Homelessness and Equity Inclusive & Cultural Linguistic Responsive Practices (EI&CLRP).

Ms. Owens-Green has more than 25 years of combined experience in early care and education, human service administration, and supporting healthy families though counselling and therapeutic services. Ms. Owens-Green is passionate about advancing racial equity in early care in education. She has spent over twenty years training and facilitating discussions on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Ms. Owens-Green has a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and has been an early care and education and obtained a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and focuses heavily on the operation of families and other relational systems.

Ms. Owens-Green served as the state of Tennessee Child Care Director. Ms. Owens-Green was responsible for the development and implementation of the Federal Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) for the state of Tennessee and was formerly the CCDBG Coordinator for the state of North Carolina. Ms. Owens-Green was and Instructor for early childhood education courses in the North Carolina Higher Community College system for over seven years.

Ms. Owens-Green has provided therapeutic services in clinical and group home setting to young children, adolescents, and adults experiencing emotional and behavior problems and substance abuse disorder. Ms. Owens-Green provided individual and group therapeutic services to couples; at-risk consumers (ages three to adult) diagnosed with a variety of trauma-based issues; and guiding clients through transitional crises such as job loss, homelessness, and loss of a loved one. Ms. Owens-Green served as a court-appointed child advocate (Guardian ad Litem) to inform the court of a child's wishes and feelings and to advise the court on the child's best interests.

Ms. Owens Green is currently completing her Doctoral degree in Education Leadership with a focus on Organization Change.

 

Black History Month: Celebrating the life and legacy of Black Women Educators - Angela Wilson

 

Angela A. Wilson believes strongly in the lyrics of her paternal grandmother’s favorite song, “if I can help somebody as I travel along, then my living shall not be in vain.”

Influenced by a host of strong Black women, since a very young child, Angela has sought to live her life based on biblical principles of honesty, integrity, compassion, and justice, to name a few. “My heroine taught me my most memorable lessons. She taught me to live a principled life, to value myself, and to share my gifts and talents through service to others; I call her mom.”

As a lifetime resident of High Point, NC, Angela’s life has been dedicated to the service of others in her family, community, and state. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Development and Family Studies, and later enrolled in the Birth-Kindergarten Interdisciplinary Studies in Education and Development Master’s program there. Angela has provided leadership in her community by serving on civic and advisory boards for the City of High Point, Guilford Technical Community College, Communities in Schools, Greater High Point Food Alliance, and Providence Church. Additionally, she serves as an Education Specialist for PBSNC, and a Legacy Leader with NCaeyc.

In the spring of 1999, she and her family established the Ark of Safety Preschool, Inc., which later became High Point, North Carolina’s first Five Star childcare facility. She served as Owner/Director of the preschool, prior to being employed by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, her current employer. The preschool was much more than a learning environment for young children, it was also a meeting place for the City of High Point “Five Points Community Pride” Neighborhood Association, a distribution site for the Bread of Life Food Ministry, a beacon of light in a “highly impacted” neighborhood, and most importantly, a non-judgmental place where children and their families could feel welcome and safe. For nearly 25 years, she and her family have continued to operate the Bread of Life Food Ministry that feeds from 35-50 households each month.

Angela enjoys light construction work and operating power tools. In the summer of 2019, she flipped her first house, and is looking forward to the next major project. In the meantime, she is engaged in other hobbies that include sewing, vermicomposting, organic gardening, and cooking big Sunday dinners for her family.

“I want to leave this world better than I found it. I want my children, my unborn grandchildren, and all children who are marginalized or discriminated against because of their black or brown skin color, to know a world of peace, prosperity, opportunities, equity, and justice…then my living shall not be in vain.”

 

Black History Month: Celebrating the life and legacy of Black Women Educators – Holly June

 

I am Holly June, an avid crafter, teacher, and blogger. I began my teaching journey as a dance teacher for young children. I have taught kindergarten and first grade as well. Currently, I am serving as full-time College Success Instructor at Durham Technical Community College alongside of serving as the Interim Director for Advising Services.

This spring, I was given an opportunity to share my expertise in Early Childhood Education through teaching Child Development II. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Special Education from Western Carolina University. My master’s degree is in College Student Personnel from Western Carolina University. My doctorate degree is in Educational Leadership with a concentration on grades P-12 from Trident University International.

When I’m outside of the classroom, I enjoy inspiring young girls through my company Posh Party Palace and presenting workshops for youth through Posh GLAMOUR (Girl’s Learning About Manners, Oneself, Unity, and Respect) Academy.  I began a craft blog 2 years ago and have been featured in Voyage Raleigh Magazine to discuss crafting.

I believe learning can happen in and outside of the classroom and it is my hope that every student or person I meet knows they can be successful and crafty. It is my goal that everyone strives to #MakeSomethingFabulous.

Black History Month: Celebrating the life and legacy of Black Women Educators – Kathy Grace

 

I AM Black History! I AM an Educator inspiring, encouraging, and opening minds of greatness that resides within each child. I don't see disabilities, but I see great abilities in every one of them and often remind my kiddies you are not the negative people say you are or believe you are. You are fearfully and wonderfully made!!

My goal is to "see" them wholly for they are...the whole child and not just in part. When I can show a child that they are loved, that they are amazing, that I've got their back, and that I believe in them to the utmost, walls of doubt and insecurities begin to break down and the foundation begins to be added to or even laid for a future that is outstanding, mind-blowing, and life-changing.

I was born and raised in the small town of Grifton, NC to William and Nannie Farrow and the oldest and only girl of three. I remember from as early as first grade loving to help the teacher erase the chalkboard at the end of the day and then being promoted to beating the erasers. That was like winning the lottery! Reading everything I could get my hands on and playing school was one of my favorite pastimes and my dolls had more education than many. My desire was to become a teacher and follow in the footsteps of many of my family who worked in education. My Aunt Pauline who was an awesome Home Economics teacher and I got to go and help her set up and break down her classroom every year. My Uncle George was one of the greatest Principals and Administrators to ever walk this earth and his wife, Aunt Myra led learning through books as a librarian. My Aunt Twinkle encouraged and empowered young people and still tutors to this day. My cousin Cookie, the best Kindergarten teacher God ever created. My Aunt Johnnie Bell who was the Math whiz even taught me geometry in High School. There may have many more, but the passion had been ignited and my heart was set.

Unfortunately, I was persuaded to strive for jobs that would financially sustain me and put my dreams on hold. NC State was the money-making school and gave me the opportunity to work for over 15 years at some of the best companies in the world like IBM and Siemens Medical Solutions. That desire and passion to empower, educate and teach was still there and could not be diminished. My baby brother was one of her biggest supporters and when he passed, she realized life is short and that my dream of being the teacher is always what I wanted to be, regardless of the salary, was my true passion and true calling. I remembered…it’s not about the income, but truly the outcome and changing lives. Therefore, I left Corporate America and went after her dream full force.

I went back to Mt. Olive College at that time and met Dr. Brenda Williamson, the woman who would mentor me, be an exemplary example for me, and the epitome of a true educator for the children teaching me. The very first class I knew I was at home…where I was supposed to be and knew that a dream deferred does not make a dream lost! With hard work, dedication, determination, and with a little Summa Cum Laude my BS in Early Childhood Education was completed. I couldn’t stop there and later received a MS in Educational Management and received a MS in Education/Instructional Technology K-12 both Magna Cum Laude.

Walking in my calling, I am presently teaching 5th Grade at Hilburn Drive Academy. In March of 2021, I was inducted into one of the greatest sororities ever created, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated founded by seven educators at Butler University who wanted to make a difference and be a light to empower young black women across the land. I hold the position of Rhoer Coordinator for chapter, Delta Gamma Sigma Alumnae Chapter in Fayetteville, NC. consisting of a diverse group of young ladies between the ages of twelve and eighteen who demonstrate high scholastic standards and consist of training and guidance in education, community service, vocation, fine arts, and social affairs.

Yes, I am also a Pastor, Family/Youth Counselor, mentor, playwright/director, author, singer, and holds several positions that allow her that opportunity to educate, empower and strengthen the lives of our youth now and in the years to come. Because of my village, my family, my Professors, my God I know that each child that crosses my path will have someone instilling in them a legacy that is greater than could ever imagine and destined for indescribable success.

I start each day believing and walking in a quote by the great educator, Rita Pierson, that states, “Every child deserves a champion—an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.” So, who am I? I AM that one that will never give up on any child! I AM Black History! I AM an Educator!! I AM Kathy Farrow Grace!!! Grateful...thankful...BLESSED!!! 

Black History Month: Celebrating the life and legacy of Black Women Educators – Rena’ Hoggard

 

If you had asked me, 30 years ago, what I want to be, my answer would have been a Lawyer. I attended St. Augustine College with the goal of being the best Criminal Lawyer there would be. That dream was very short lived, as I became pregnant, with my oldest son, after my first year of college. At that point, I just knew that any type of college life would be over for me. So, I started babysitting for people at my church and from my mom's job. One day, out of the blue, a family friend, from the church, said to me, "You are so good with children and I think that you would be a great three-year-old teacher. I accepted the position, not knowing anything about teaching nor what to expect. I enrolled into a Community College, taking night classes, to get my Credentials and I began to love what I was learning and was so ready to put it into practice, in the classroom. Did everything, I learned worked for me, “no”, but did I learned how to revamp and not give up.

My family and I decided to move to Raleigh, NC and I got a job at a childcare center, at Perimeter Park, in Morrisville and from there I went to Crosby Head Start, where I worked many years.  During this time, I enrolled in Vance Community College, to get my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. It seemed the more I learned, the more I wanted to learn and implement in the classroom.

After working at Head Start, I decided that I wanted to learn the administrative part of Early Childhood, so I applied for an Assistant Director position. I was an Assistant Director for a year and a half and then became the Director, for 7 years, at the same facility. As much as I loved doing what I was doing, I missed working with my babies. 

Then came the program, More at Four, now known as NC Pre-K and back in the classroom I went and I'm still here, this day. I have tutored and mentored many students outside of the classroom and wouldn't give up working with these young scholars, for anything.

I am married with two sons and one granddaughter. Also, I possess a master's degree in Education and Adult Learning. And in my spare time, I enjoy spending quality time with family members, traveling, reading, binge watching TV shows and movies along with volunteer work in the community.

Black History Month: Celebrating the life and legacy of Black Women Educators – Danielle Johnson

 

Danielle Johnson is an advocate for high quality, accessible, and inclusive early childhood education that honors the diversity of families’ experiences and honors parents’ visions of success for their children.  Bringing more than 20 years of increasingly responsible program- and systems-level early childhood leadership experience in New York City and now in North Carolina’s Triangle and Triad regions.  Danielle has taught and trained educators and administrators seeking to make a lasting impact on the families and communities they serve. 

 Following successful tenures in roles as the NC Pre-K Manager and Director of Early Childhood Systems, in August of 2019, Danielle was named Executive Director at Durham’s Partnership for Children.  She is responsible for providing leadership and oversight for programs within the organization representing annual investments of over $11M.  Programs including Smart Start, Early Head Start, NC Pre-K, Transition to Kindergarten, and other collective impact community initiatives that help the Partnership achieve its mission that every child enters school healthy and ready to learn.  

 Danielle is an author, award-winning adjunct instructor at Durham Technical Community College, a mentor and a sought-after presenter and facilitator at national and international conferences, with special connections to the early childhood movement in Ghana, West Africa and Rwanda, East Africa.   She received a Master’s in Education from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, a Master’s in Public Health from Hunter College, City University of New York as well as a Bachelors in Science.  Danielle is currently a UNCW Watson College of Education Ed.D Candidate. Her research focusses on culturally responsive teaching and program design with an emphasis on globalization within the early childhood sector.

Danielle serves on various boards and advisory committees such as, TEACH Rwanda Board, Durham Technical Community College Early Childhood Associate Advisory Committee, Durham ECAP Steering Committee, and the Durham PreK Governance Committee.

Black History Month: Celebrating the life and legacy of Black Women Educators – Angela Searcy

Dr. Angela Searcy holds a B.A. degree in English and secondary education with teacher certification though the state of Illinois and a M.S. degree in early childhood development from Erikson Institute, with a specialization in Infant Studies and a Doctorate in Education with a specialization in assessment and response to intervention. Her research revolves around brain-based learning as assessed by CLASS and it’s correlation to aggressive behaviors in preschool children. Angela is currently a candidate in Erikson Institute's Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Certificate Program.

An educator since 1990, Angela is the owner and founder of Simple Solutions Educational Services has experience at all levels of education and is a credentialed developmental therapist. Angela is currently a seminar leader and adjunct faculty at Erikson Institute, a professional development provider for Lorman Educational Services, Teaching Strategies, LLC, a CLASS Pre-K Affiliate Trainer for Teachstone, a Bureau of Education and Research trainer, a master cadre trainer for the Pyramid Model and author of Push Past It! A Positive Approach to Challenging Classroom Behaviors for Gryphon House Publishing. Angela's second book is scheduled for a 2023 release date.

A former neuro-developmental specialist, Angela has specialized training in neuroscience and is a nationally recognized speaker. She has been featured on Chicago’s WGN Channel 9 Morning News, WGN Channel 9 Midday Fix, WTTW’s Chicago Matters, Chicago Public Radio’s Chicago Matters, Chicago Parent and Chicago Baby Magazines.

On a personal note, Angela and her husband of 27 years have 4 children aged 26-16. Their oldest has a master’s degree from DePaul University, the next oldest has a master’s degree from Hampton University, the next oldest is in her master’s degree program at DePaul University and the youngest is an honor roll high school student. 

Black History Month: Celebrating the life and legacy of Black Women Educators – Rubetta Miller Carr

 

As we celebrate Black History Month, I am humbled to be among those celebrated as an educator. I am Rubetta Miller Carr, lifelong educator.

Much like a bricklayer, I have been given the task of proving the foundation during those early formative years.  Some of my accomplishments include earning a BS in Elementary Education from UNCG (1990), achieving National Board Certification, Early Childhood Generalist (2002), obtaining a MEd - Literacy Studies concentration from UNC (2005), and being recognized as 2006 Central Elementary Teacher of the Year, just to name a few.

My influences to become an educator began in Logan, West Virginia, a small coal mining community in which I was raised.  I can vividly recall the impact of some of the most influential African American women and upstanding women in the community such as Mrs. Ruth Miller, my first-grade teacher, Mrs. Betty P. Smith, my piano and high school chorus teacher, Mrs. Ora M. Hagood, my godmother and my own mother, Angelia M. Russell-Frazier. 

Twenty-seven of my years of service have been as an elementary classroom teacher and a literacy educator.  As a young child, Mrs. Miller shared her passion for reading, therefore allowing me my first experience of teaching my peers in my own reading group. I witnessed the commitment of Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Hagood in helping students set goals and achieve them over the course of their extended teaching careers This has had a direct impact on my current role, as a teaching and learning coach.  For the last four years, I have followed their example in giving encouragement and support to beginning teachers.

Lastly, my mother, Angelia M. Russell-Frazier became a first-generation college graduate and had success as a 39-year college professor.  She has passed onto me to have faith in God, determination, strength, perseverance, and resilience to overcome obstacles and celebrate victories.

Black History Month: Celebrating the life and legacy of Black Women Educators – Michele Miller-Cox

 

Michele Miller-Cox, Executive Director, Infant/Toddler Teacher, Family Child Care Owner/Operator, Child Advocate, and Adjunct Faculty for a local Community College, was born and raised in New York and relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina in 1989. Michele began working in the Early Care and Education field before leaving New York, as an Administrative Assistant for 17 Child Care and Head Start Programs. She continued her career path after arriving in North Carolina, working as an Early Childhood Teacher at the childcare facility for a local hospital.

During her years at Kidworks, her curiosity, and an eagerness to learn more about the development of children led her to begin her higher education towards her degrees. After several years as a teacher, Michele wanted to build on her own philosophy and knowledge, so she became a Family Childcare Provider, serving families in Wake County, for 20 years (1993-2013). In 2013, she accepted an Infant Teacher position at SAS Montessori School in Cary, NC. and has since changed positions to become the Executive Director of First Presbyterian Day School. The exposure of advocating for children, led by her many mentors further increased her desire to become more supportive of the well-being of all children.

Michele obtained her AAS in Early Childhood Education from Wilson Technical Community College in 2006, went on to obtain her Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Early Care and Education from the University of North Carolina–Greensboro (UNC-G) in 2009. Michele completed her Master Certificate “Leadership in Early Education” and went on to finish her master’s degree in Education with a concentration in Adult Education and Training.

Michele’s career experiences, and educational advancements are led by the quote, “When you educate a woman, you educate a nation” Author, Unknown.

Black History Month: Celebrating the life and legacy of Black Women Educators – Shawna Daniels

 

Shawna Daniels is an Early Childhood educator and advocate who has over 20 years of experience, working with children birth thru12 years old, their educators, and their families.  As the child of an Early Childhood educator, Shawna saw the good (supporting and engaging with children and families) and the bad (long hours, low pay, little recognition) of working in the field and never thought she would ever follow in her mother's footsteps. Just the same, the relationships she made as a toddler in that program became the foundation for how she saw herself and the world around her and obviously made an impact on the woman she would become - a message of the importance of Early Childhood learning she shares with anyone who will listen.

Even with several volunteering experiences during her undergrad years, Shawna was unwavering about not going into child care or education. It wasn't until the last summer of her Bachelor's degree, that she fell in love with the transformative nature of caring relationships in children's lives, after a summer at the Hargett Street YWCA. For several years after, Shawna's focus was on School Age Care that included managing YMCA Before/After school/camp programs in Monmouth County, NJ, teaching at a charter school, tutoring high school students, reading comprehension coaching in Durham, doing child care referrals across the US as an Employee Assistance program, and working in a Bright Horizons center in Raleigh, NC.

It was in her almost 10 years at Bright Horizons that Shawna found her true passion -- coaching, mentoring, and educating the practice of the adults who teach and care for children. Initially, she served as the School Age Lead Teacher, then became the Education Coordinator, providing small and large group learning experiences. She had come to the realization that if she could fine-tune the teaching practices of Early Childhood educators, she would impact more of the lives of NC's children. During this time, she also became very involved in WakeAEYC and co-created the Wake Early Educators' Community of Practice (WEECoP) because an NC Pre-K teacher in her center wasn't able to find a community of practice to join. WEECoP has since become the NC Early Educators' Community of Practice (NCEECoP) and is attended by a diverse group of educators from across North Carolina. This period of life also led to another revelation after her own experiences as a community college student -- there was a need for instructors in Early Childhood Education programs with a strong background in experience. With that acknowledgement, Shawna set on the path of earning a Master's in Adult Education and Community College Teaching at NC State. No one was more excited about Shawna's graduation from NC State than her son, Ohene (Oh-hah-knee) who asked her not to enroll in school again until he graduated high school. She agreed and spent the next 4 years coaching and mentoring educators across Wake, Durham, Nash, and Orange counties as a Technical Assistance Specialist and part-time community college instructor while serving on the Board of Directors for NCAEYC.

Currently, Ohene has graduated high school and Shawna is a full-time PhD student at NC State, focusing on applications for the Early Childhood Education system within the Adult, Workforce, and Continuing Professional Learning program. She continues to serve as the Secretary of NCAEYC, is on the Global Board of Directors for Breastfeeding Family Friendly Communities, and provides some consultation services to administrators, classroom staff, and families on a variety of topics that include classroom management, teacher/child interactions, child development, professional development, positive guidance; health & safety; diversity & inclusion, and ECE administration.

Shawna often amplifies the educational philosophy of North Carolina's own Dr. Dallas Herring, which "is a philosophy of total education; a belief in the incomparable worth of all human beings...We must take people from where they are and carry them as far as they can go" and applies it to the education and care of both children and adults.

 

Black History Month: Celebrating the life and legacy of Black Women Educators – Cynthia Williams-Hills

 

As long as I can remember I have been a teacher as a child, my dolls were my students as I grew older my friends and I played school. Teaching has always been a part of my life with my grandmother being my first teacher and an educator.

 

When I graduated from high school, I pursued a nursing career after several years of nursing I realized I was not happy. I did not realize that teaching was my calling until my youngest son started childcare and came home crying and unhappy every day. I thought if he is unhappy how many more children come home unhappy at the end of the day, too. In 1998 I opened my first childcare, New Generation Child Care, and realized that I had found my niche. This was what I was created to do, and I loved doing it so much that I would do it without getting paid. Because of my lack of knowledge in the childcare arena I went back to school to gain more knowledge.

 

In 2009 I completed my BS in Early Childhood from the University of Mount Olive and in 2012 a M.Ed. in Education Specialization Early Childhood from Liberty University.  Please check out the link below and share with your friends of the best childcare facility located in Hillsborough, NC.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIll__eogGI&t=90s

Black History Month: Celebrating the life and legacy of Black Women Educators – Harriette Bailey

 

Dr. Harriette Bailey is an Associate Professor, B-K Coordinator, Principal Investigator, and Co- Principal Investigator at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro. Dr. Bailey has extensive experiences in higher education, early intervention, early care and education, and child and family outcomes. She is passionate about preparing students to deliver effective and equitable services for diverse children and families. Dr. Bailey’s research interests include: appropriate services for infants and toddlers, cultural competency, cultural humility, anti-bias curriculum, family engagement, and designing effective policies and supports for young children and

families. She is a member of North Carolina’s State Interagency Coordinating Council, a Governor appointed position, Council for Exceptional Children (TED and DEC), NAEYC and National Black Child Development Institute.

 

She is Co-owner and Educational Consultant with Bailey, Pullis & Riggins LLC. In this role, she provides educational consultation tailored to the needs of the consumer: such as Professional Development, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion planning and facilitation, Early Childhood Anti-Bias Implementation, Cultural Awareness, Competence and Humility.

Black History Month: Celebrating the life and legacy of Black Women Educators – Tammy Sneed

Tammy Sneed is a passionate early childhood educator.  She has been in the field for over 20 years and served in many roles.

Tammy began her journey in early childhood as a parent and advocate for her own children in 1989.  She pressed herself to learn ways to teach her children to find a love for learning as they grew and developed in their natural environments. In 1998, Tammy began working in a local childcare center as a substitute teacher.  The center had begun the process of preparing for the star rating license that the state of North Carolina would soon embrace as the standard.  Like many of her co-workers, Tammy tested out of the required NC Credentials for Early Childhood.  It was a bridge to an all too familiar place, a love for learning and achievement. 

Tammy continued to develop as a teacher and develop skills at different age levels of teaching. She worked as a toddler teacher for five years and then moved on to teach three-year-old.  Her children at home became more independent so Tammy re-enrolled in school at Wake Technical Community College in 2005.  Tammy had once attended the college right after high school for an associate degree in Business Administration. While being a student, Tammy ran for office as NCAEYC Board of Governors Student Representative.  She won and served the state of North Carolina’s finest early educators, families, and children.  She also excelled in school and everything she learned was applied to her classroom.  She began to apply NC Foundations to her lessons and goals for each child in her care. She began sharing the information with her co-workers as the reasons why she taught the way she did.  Tammy had great success in the classroom. She graduated with an associate degree from Wake Technical Community College in 2010 with honors in Early Childhood Education.  It was the beginning of her on-going formal education and professional development. 

In 2015, Tammy enrolled in the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG).  She sought out a bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies and a minor in Early Childhood Education.  Tammy graduated from UNCG in 2018 Cum Laude while working full time and raising three amazing children.  By this time Tammy had taught more than 20 years and began the work of an educational coordinator as well.  She mentored educators, assisted with training educators, and fostered amazing relationships with families.  Tammy believed that early childhood education includes the educators, the child, and the family to be a success.

In 2019, Tammy left the classroom to join the administrative team of a childcare center in Raleigh, NC.  In 2020, she joined a team of early childhood advocates, The Legacy Leaders, as the work of equity in early childhood was pushed to the forefront. In January 2020, Tammy enrolled in UNCG for a 2^nd time as a student in the Master of Education program.  She is currently working on her final year of her master’s program while working as the director of a childcare center in Durham, NC where she lives with her husband. Tammy works hard advocating for educators, children and families and knows that the work she does today sets a course of positive community connections for the people she serves.  

 

 

Black History Month: Celebrating the life and legacy of Black Women Educators – Marye Vance

 

My hometown is Kinston, North Carolina. My undergraduate studies led me to study Elementary Education at Elizabeth City State University. I grew an interest in children services through a volunteer position at Social Services, it was that experience that led me to transfer to Winston-Salem State University, enrolling and obtained the Social Work degree. Through the learning experience at WSSU, I maintained the Dean’s list for several semesters, graduating with Honors. With this foundation of education at historically black universities, I gained valuable work experience in many fields such as mental health, case management, nonprofit organizations, and human services.

 

My focus has always been on children and families and how to best help and serve them. A pivotal point in my career came when I was introduced to higher education. This is where my passion grew for teaching adults who have an impact on children. Having coordinated and managed million-dollar grants to different service areas with a human service focus, I found myself at another turning point to pursue higher education and obtain a Masters in Adult Education specializing in Distance Learning. It is true when you hear someone say, “we are lifelong learners”.

 

Having worked in higher education and nonprofits, those learning experiences led me to serve at Durham Technical Community College for fourteen years as an Instructor in Early Childhood Education and Coordinator of Teaching-Learning. As a doctoral student at Capella University, my interest has advanced to performance improvement leadership. Recently, I was nominated for the National Society of Leadership and Success through Capella University, having maintained a 3.8 GPA. I am looking forward to the induction ceremony. This accomplishment is a testament to determination and perseverance. Inspiration comes from failures and my failures have led my passion. I can’t stop now!  Giving back is a driving force in my family. I actively teach my son that literacy and community are important. Over the years, we donated over 1000 children's books to Duke University NICU division. We continue engagement in literacy experiences in the community. Aspiring for better health and wealth for my family.

Black History Month: Celebrating the life and legacy of Black Women Educators – Danielle Caldwell

 

Danielle Caldwell is an early childhood educator with over 25 years of service to families with young children. In 2021, she was honored with the North Carolina Early Education Coalition’s Outstanding Early Education Advocate Award. Though a native New Yorker, Danielle has sown deep roots in North Carolina and lends her leadership to local organizations such as Durham’s Partnership for Children, Durham’s Early Childhood Action Plan, and Durham’s NC PreK. As a working mother, Danielle advocates for women entrepreneurs and champions quality, affordable childcare for all.

Black History Month: Celebrating the life and legacy of Black Women Educators – Katharine Smith

 

“In the end, it’s all about the beginning-the beginning of children’s lives, at a time that is critically important to their future”

 

Katharine Jennette Smith, is a Durham native and the oldest living of 5 children born to Edward and Dorothy Jennette. Katharine gives credit to the person she is today to her late father Edward E. Jennette, Sr., someone who she considers an outstanding role model in her life. Being raised in the church, her father always instilled scripture in her life; most notably Isaiah 56:1 (NIV) “This is what the Lord says: Maintain justice and do what is right…”

Katharine’s parents always valued education but, for various reasons, they had to be pulled from school early to help their parents take care of their siblings. Resources and literature were made available to the Jennette children so that they would have the opportunities in life to be successful. A piece of literature that made a huge impact was the biography of Wilma Glodean Rudolph, an American sprinter who, after surviving bouts of polio and scarlet fever, became a world-record-holding Olympic champion. Guided by another scripture her father often quoted, (Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”) becoming the next Wilma Rudolph became one of Katharine’s first dreams. She went on to become an athlete that went to the Olympics for Track and Field training under Coach Walker and later worked with the students at Durham School of the Arts where she was the Head Volleyball Coach and Sprint Coach for Track and Field.  “Dreams do come true!” Katharine’s diverse work and community background also includes her time as a Police Officer, Criminal Investigator and a Firefighter.

 It was during her tenure at Durham PD as a Criminal/Juvenile Investigator where she saw children who were constantly in trouble with the law, that drove her to the path of Early Childhood Education in order to take a proactive approach in making a difference in the lives of children and families. Katharine has been an advocate for quality childcare for over 30 years. She has owned and operated a nationally accredited childcare facility which served as an Early Childhood practicum site. She is the owner of S.I.E.R.R.A, Training/Consulting.

Currently, Katharine is serving in a dual role at Family and Communities Rising. “I have always been interested in the Head Start model and the population it serves. After serving as ED at First Presbyterian Day School, a Five Star Facility for 15 years, I looked forward to embracing the holistic philosophy of the Head Start Early Education model.”

“I support and encourage teachers by giving them what they need so they can be their best with the children and parents of FCR and so, by supporting them, I can make a difference as well, in the lives of children and families”. She adds that she loves connecting with the parents and connecting in a way that they may feel encouraged and uplifted, not judged. She is an advocate of two generational work with families and is excited to do more work with the mothers and caregivers to support their needs.

Katharine is passionate about her work and stated “You can’t run away from your purpose” to describe her work in the Early Childhood Education space. She has been an instructor at NCCU, an adjunct instructor at Durham Technical Community College, a mentor to many, and has taught many current and past Early Education staff and administrators. In 2006, she was awarded CCSA’s Child Care Award, and in 2010, she was recognized not only with the Durham Partnership for Children “Champion for Young Children Award” but also was highlighted in The Triangle Tribune for her proactive approach to making a difference. She is also a Legacy Honoree for Early Childcare Providers by the Laurence and Artelia Perry Scholarship Fund

Katharine is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of NCCU with dual degrees in Political Science and Criminal Justice. She later received her MS from NCCU in Child Development.

Katharine is married for 39 years to her loving and supportive husband, Ron. They reside in Durham, NC and are the proud parents of 3 wonderful adult children, Michael, Scottie and Sierra Smith and 4 grandchildren.

 

Black History Month: Celebrating the life and legacy of Black Women Educators – Nannette Ausby

 

Nannette knew the importance of early education for children and decided to open a small child care business.  She went back to school to get her advanced degree in Early Childhood Education from Wake Technical Community College in 2002.  She became the owner and Director of Sister’s Childcare Service (SCCS), where she was affectionately known as “Mommy Ausby”.  This is where her love for “all things education based for early childhood” became stronger and her passion to share this with others.   

 

Nannette became an Educational Trainer for UNC-TV North Carolina Public Media (now PBS North Carolina), which allowed her to travel the state of North Carolina assisting in events and trainings for Parents, Caregivers, and Educators.  Over the years she would develop deep ties within the Child Care community, State partners, and State community organizations and local community families.  Her energy, spirit and love for people made her shine bright and anyone who came into contact with her felt that immediately.    

 

 Nannette became a Program Coordinator for Family Childcare Association of Wake County (Wake County FCCA) where she affectionally called herself the “quiet one”.  Planning continuing education workshops for Wake County Child Care providers was very important to her.  She loved education and had a desire to teach others what she knew.  She valued the Wake County FCCA and all that it has provided for its members throughout the years.  Everything that she did she did with the mindset of how her FCCA family could benefit from what she had learned in workshops and through training from PBS NC.  Her drive to teach, whether it was academics, environmental, social/emotional skills, or even arts and crafts, was done with the purpose of not only helping others to become better at what we do but to help us love what we do as educators.  She was an advocate for education, for children, for parents and for all educators!  

 

She became a social worker for some of us as well.  Mommy Ausby, gave advice and encouragement that was always seasoned with the spices only she could use that made everything she said taste good to our soul.  Even if at the beginning we found it hard to hear.  That is because her words as she said, “are from the Bible. There is no way you can be wrong with that!”  Her faith was strong and whenever she could talk about it, she did.  Yes, she was a spiritual teacher as well.    

  

In everything that she did, Nannette truly believed that “A good name is to be chosen rather than great wealth; To be respected is better than silver and gold.” (Proverbs 22:1)

  

We found a story that she had saved and how appropriate it describes her giving spirit:

Starfish Story by Loren Eiseley  

  

One day, an old man was walking along a beach that was littered with thousands of starfish that had been washed ashore by the high tide. As he walked, he came upon a young boy who was eagerly throwing the starfish back into the ocean, one by one.  

Puzzled, the man looked at the boy and asked what he was doing. Without looking up from his task, the boy simply replied, “I’m saving these starfish, Sir”. 

The old man chuckled aloud, “Son, there are thousands of starfish and only one of you. What difference can you make?”  

The boy picked up a starfish, gently tossed it into the water and turning to the man, said, “I made a difference to that one!”  

  

The moral of this: Like Nannette Ausby, no matter what, never, ever stop doing good and trying to make a difference in people’s lives, even if it is just helping one person at a time.