Black History Month: Celebrating the life and legacy of Black Women Educators – Tiffany Tate

Tiffany Tate was born and raised on the South Side of Raleigh, NC. She is a mother, a wife, children's music singer/songwriter, children's author, a Girl Scout daisy/brownie troop leader, and business owner. She is the second oldest of 9 children. Tiffany has a heart, mind, and willingness to serve. She serves to create joy, love, freedom, knowledge of self, to heal childhood trauma, and peace. In her presence high vibrational energy motivates people to do together what they can’t do alone. During her free time, she loves to sing, read, listen to music, travel, explore nature, and spend time with her family and friends.

Tiffany overcame childhood adversity/trauma of being taken away from her mom and was placed in the NC child protective service system when she was seven years young. She was later adopted and raised by her Great Aunt Gloria. Tiffany Tate graduated from the best HBCU NCCU in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Family & Consumer Sciences with a concentration in Child Development and Family Relations. She went on to get her master’s degree from Walden University in Early Childhood Studies. She started her career in Head Start working in various roles and later conducted assessments to improve the quality of childcare in North Carolina; working for the NC Rated License Assessment Project.

Tiffany founded Mrs. Tiffany's Circle Time in 2018; a one-of-a-kind experience that teaches young children with varying abilities/disabilities how to use their imagination, resilience skills, self-love, knowledge of self, and positive character traits. Tiffany uses African American puppets, positive children's music, imaginary field trips, mindfulness, books that depict mirrors/windows of children, finger plays, and connection building activities to foster meaningful relationships with children during Mrs. Tiffany's Circle Time. Children in Wake County experience Mrs. Tiffany's Circle time in preschool settings, events, and educational programs. Tiffany has also written, and self-published three children's books (When I Sing, I Learn, Number Clock Rock, and Caterpillars Can’t Fly) and three children's music CD's (Mrs. Tiffany's Circle Time, Resilient, and Black Girl Magic). Her books and music promote wisdom, self-love, knowledge of self, confidence, and resilience. Her hope is that by learning to cope and heal her own early childhood trauma, she can help children learn to cope and heal their own. Her goal is to one day open a Resilience Children's Music Museum on the South Side of Raleigh; where young children and their families can come learn and heal childhood trauma together through African American Culture, high positive energy, play, early childhood music, and educational programs.  

"Childhood Trauma is a piece of who I am but it is not who I am. I use my piece to fuel my passion to help children cope with their own" ~ Tiffany Tate 

 

 

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

 

I was 11 years old when my father told me “I could do anything I wanted, with determination”. Oh boy, did this give me confidence! My mother taught me the importance of treating others who crossed my path with respect, because you never know who you will need in the long run. Oh boy, was she right!

My passion for early childhood education began at the age of 16. I had the opportunity to volunteer at a childcare facility as part of a high school program. I obtained a job at a local church childcare; where I worked my way up from a 17-year-old substitute to lead teacher at the age of 18. After graduating from South View (Class of 1998, Go Tigers!) I gave birth to a beautiful healthy daughter (Adrianne, 2000) and son (Andrew, 2003) and married the love of my life (Marcus, 2001) who also is an educator at a Middle School.

I have an amazing support system from my beautiful family including in-laws. Throughout the years I operated a family childcare home facility for 2 years where I entered a world that ultimately helped me build my vision, philosophy, and goals. Which is to strengthen families, by building relationships through children who are in my care.

I was employed with the local Head Start program (Action Pathways) which is a federally funded program that provides free social and educational opportunities to prepare income-eligible children with essential skills needed to enter the public school system. While at Head Start, I held many positions: teacher assistant, bus driver, child advocate, lead teacher supervisor, and on-site supervisor. For anyone who works in education, you know I left out many other roles. There, I learned the real meaning of a work family. I had the opportunity to live out the values my parents instilled in me at a young age.

I received my Associates in General Education from FTCC and a degree in Birth-Kindergarten at FSU (Go Broncos!) in 2011. Yes, I completed two degrees at the same time as well becoming the first one in my family to receive college degrees. I worked in the Division of Child Development and Early Education as Connectivity Consultant for 1 year before transitioning into my current position as a Child Care Consultant. I truly get to use my expertise to educate providers in the Early Childhood world on best practices to ensure the safety of children.

When I received the request to share my educational story, I was honored and a bit shocked, because I'm just a classy country girl from Fayetteville, NC who was born in 1980 who greets everyone with a smile. I couldn’t have done it without my family’s encouragement. My advice to you is treat others with respect, demand respect, and last but not least, you can do anything you want with determination. In the words of my favorite NFL team Carolina Panthers KEEPPOUNDING! 

Black History Month: Celebrating the life and legacy of Black Women Educators – Lisa Carlies

 

I never saw myself as an Early Childhood Teacher. I always had hopes of being a Registered Nurse working in a hospital. Little did I know that my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ had other plans for me. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future - Jeremiah 29: 1.

I enrolled into the Nursing Program at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, NY. I was a young mother of one son (Ramel) at that time and I wanted him to look up to me as a “Shero”. I wanted to be his Supermom!

 My brother John was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy, and doctors told my mother that he would not live past the age of 5-years-old. Well, John and God proved them wrong! John passed away at age 28 in a hospital bed, quietly in his sleep.

 Afterwards, I promised myself that I would go into the field of Nursing to take care of others.  I completed a year of Nursing at Medgar Evers College then transition to North Carolina where those credits transferred to my local community college in Goldsboro, NC. I enrolled in the Certified Nursing Aide course and graduated with my license as a North Carolina Nurse Aide Registry. I worked in a nursing home for a few years but became discouraged when one of my residents that I had grown attached to passed away where I had to dress her body and cried the whole time. I took a break and decided that I would try it after my heart had healed.

I relocated my children to Chapel Hill, NC after being told by a friend that pay and employment was better in that area. While enrolling my children in school in Chapel Hill, NC, Principal Brent Norfleet, asked me was I in need of help in finding their classrooms. I told him that I was new to the area and offered me a job as a teacher assistant for exceptional needs children. I was amazed and felt totally blessed! So, I took the position and worked at Guy B. Phillips Middle School and Frank Porter Graham Elementary School for the summer programs. I was employed there for four years and assisted in the Special Olympics for two summers in a row.

I was promoted to Inclusion Facilitator, and eventually left (on good terms) and relocated to Durham, NC to be closer to my church home. While living in Durham, I was hired at a preschool teacher and stayed at that site a few years. While attending Durham Technical Community College where I met my mentor Professor Brenda Williamson! I was enrolled in the Early Childhood Credentials 1 and 2 classes. Professor Williamson inspired me to become an Early Childhood Teacher and Professional.

Her love for her students and for teaching was always made evident in the classroom! She is caring, kind and a gentle soul. There is no Professor like her, and I am just one of many who had the honor of being taught and trained by this Master Educator. She operates in integrity and dedication to her students!

It is because of this beautiful woman that carries such a spirit of excellence (that I met in 2005), that I have continued into the field of Early Childhood Education.  It has helped establish an Infant/ Toddler Program at one preschool I was employed at. She has inspired me to PUSH on when I wanted to give up in the middle of a semester when COVID-19 hit the nation. She is my inspiration when I get weary in this walk of an educator. She is my inspiration because she is also a godly example of a virtuous woman. Everyone needs a Dr. Brenda Williamson in their lives! Oftentimes, I love to share about her with my family and my colleagues. There are no copes of her. There is only one Professor Brenda Williamson. I was blessed to have the original in my life!

I pray that I make her and the God that saw fit to bless me with this gift. Proud!

Teacher and Student,

Lisa Carlies

Black History Month: Celebrating the life and legacy of Black Women Educators – Pamela Powell

 

Pamela D. Powell is Owner/Director of The Christian Prep Academy, Inc., pre-school she founded in Durham, NC in 1998.

Ms. Powell is a native of Durham and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Child Development Family Relations from North Carolina Central University; Master of Arts Degree in Organizational Leadership from Liberty University and Master of Education in Early Childhood Policy, Advocacy and Leadership from The University of North Carolina in Wilmington.

“I believe that all children can succeed if placed in an environment conducive to learning.” This led to the vision of The Christian Prep Academy, which is to offer a well-rounded curriculum that fosters positive spiritual, academic, physical, and emotional development in each child.

The mission is to operate a facility that would build a foundation in the lives of young children that they can build upon. This will alleviate the achievement gap that is so prevalent among our young children. The Christian Prep Academy is one of the first five-star NC Pre-K programs in Durham County. They now have Early Head Start classrooms, which have filled their facility to capacity!

Ms. Powell is a proud member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. She is very active in her community by sponsoring St. Jude and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Ms. Powell is also an active member of the Board of Directors for the Goodness and Mercies Ministries, Inc.

Ms. Powell is married to Phillip Powell together they have a blended family of five children and five grandchildren.

 

Black History Month: Celebrating the life and legacy of Black Women Educators – Tanaka Eaddy

 

Tanaka Eaddy is an ambitious woman, who is committed to continuing a career in early childhood education. Tanaka Eaddy is a Durham native. She is a graduate of Durham Technical Community College with an Associates in Applied Science Early Childhood graduating Summa Cum Laude and is an accomplished childhood educator with 24 years of working in Early Childhood. Tanaka received the Creative and Liberal Arts award recipient 2021, Gamma Beta Phi National Honor Society 2018-member, Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society 2018 member.

Tanaka knew that she wanted to work as an educator when she became pregnant with her son, DeVon. Her passion for children particularly during the early childhood years is clearly shown by her compassion, experience, and knowledge that she brings to the profession. She always says that she wants show children love and kindness so they will become caring and respectful adults as they journey in her classroom. From the moment she walks into her classroom, she welcomes the children and families with a warm greeting. In addition, she has loved every moment of her time in school, from exploring new topics to building strong academic skills and collaboration with other students. Tanaka has assisted several other students in the early childhood curriculum so efficiently, that her professors acknowledge and thanked her leadership and outgoing behavior. Participating in education is something she is truly passionate about.

Tanaka’s goal as an Early Childhood Educator is to continue to provide quality care to children with positive experiences in a nurturing environment where she is an advocate for inclusion and diversity.

In her spare time, Tanaka enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and her nephew, cooking for her family, baking homemade desserts, crafting, and reading inspirational books.

Black History Month: Celebrating the life and legacy of Black Women Educators – Margo Ford

 

Margo L. Ford Crosby, M.Ed

Author, Educator, Advocate, and Early Care and Learning Professional

 

 “Let us take time, therefore, to be gracious, to be thoughtful, to be kind… with greater velocity on the upward road to equal opportunity and Justice for all. “

-Dr. Charlotte Hawkins Brown

 

With over a decade of teaching experience, Margo Ford Crosby has a track record of success in advocacy, family engagement, and early childhood. She was raised in a family which values community and public service, which inspired her desire to help people at an early age, inspiring her to move towards community outreach programs in middle and high schools and as a camp counselor.  Now, she is advocating for Equity in Early Care and Education, Advocating for Public Education with her child’s school PTA, a member of NBCDI, just to name a few.

Ms. Ford Crosby attended the illustrious and historic James Benson Dudley Senior High School in Greensboro, NC and Historically Black College and University, the Winston-Salem State University (WSSU), affectionately known as “teacher college” or “TC '' among early black educators.  She entered WSSU as a Pre-Teaching Academy Scholar and finished with a BS in Birth-Kindergarten Education with a concentration in Business Administration. While on campus Margo served on the executive Board of Student North Carolina Association of Educators (SNCAE) and participated in many outreaches and service-learning projects, along with working in the Housing Department. After receiving her first degree in 2007, she joined Northwest Child Development as a staff member and dedicated employee.

For ten years of her in-class experience, Ms. Ford Crosby taught PreK and Kindergarten at two different sites within Guilford County Schools (GCS) and was named a Mission Possible Teacher Leader, a Grade Level Representative on the School Based Leadership Team, as well as a Teacher Leader for the District Early Learning Department. Within this tenure with GCS, she co-wrote and received a grant entitled “Healthy Kids ROCK!”, a two-time finalist for School Teacher of the Year, spoke as a panelist to students about careers in Early Childhood at North Carolina A&T State University, and mentored student teachers and future educators, while serving as an instructor at two Community Colleges as well as a Curriculum Specialist and teacher with the Learning Together program at Guilford Child Development.

Margo is currently serving in an administrative capacity as the Director of Pre-K and BASES (Before and After School Enrichment Services) with Alamance Burlington Public Schools. She is also the Founder of TLC Consulting Early Childhood Education Consultation Firm in Guilford County, NC. She provides engaging training sessions as a DCDEE certified trainer as well as hosts panel discussions with community leaders and advocates bringing awareness of early care and education to the community. She earned her first master’s degree in 2011 from Ashford University in Education and Curriculum Instruction and a second master’s in the spring of 2020 from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, in Leadership and Administration in Early Childhood.

She is energized by the spirit of her ancestral honorary Soror, Dr. Charlotte Hawkins Brown and motivated by the larger than life, worldly presence of Dr. Iheoma Iruka, who encourages us to “listen, learn, and unlearn.” In the spirit of these wonderful women and many others, Margo authored her first publication in 2020, a book of affirmations for young readers entitled, Mirrors Up . She is an active member of NAEYC and NCAEYC where she serves as an Equity Leader and on the state affiliate policy committee. During speaking engagements, she can always be heard saying “sharing is caring” as well as encouraging and demanding, “Grace, Patience, and Flexibility” in early care and education.

In her personal life, when not advocating for early care and education, Margo enjoys cooking, walking, reading, supporting black owned businesses, spending time with family as well as service to all mankind with her lovely sisters of the Sigma Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She is passionate, purpose driven, and continues to pursue equity among early care and education as she resides in McLeansville, NC with her encouraging husband and creatively authentic teenage daughter.

 

“Start with yourself, but don’t stay there and don’t do it by yourself.”

-Dr. Iheoma Iruka

 

Black History Month: Celebrating the life and legacy of Black Women Educators – Teresa Speller

 

In the Spring of 2002, I was married with 4 children working at KinderCare Learning Center in Greenville, NC. I found myself pondering my life and the daily paycheck to paycheck struggle like most and an overwhelming feeling of failure and disappointment that my path was changed. Although I loved my family, I wanted to be an example to my children and did not feel I was being that example. I enrolled back into East Carolina University and with the support of my director Betty Flanagan and my sister Patricia Rascoe (now Reese) I attended classes on my lunch break and in the evenings. By December 2004 I walked the stage and received my Bachelors’ Degree in Family Community Services. My new path had begun.

After divorcing I accepted a position in Raleigh, NC with KinderCare as a Director and moved my three boys and myself to Wake County in June 2005. After years of dedicated service to the early childhood community I found myself intrigued by the lack of knowledge of teachers in childcare about special education.  I accepted a position with the Raleigh Children’s Developmental Agency with their Bee Early NC Early Intervention program.

As a Youth Minister in my church, my passion for children grew stronger so I founded S.T.E.P. Innovations. A nonprofit organization geared towards mentoring the youth of my community. My first large event was on October 6, 2012, a talent show, “God Bless the Child”. My mom, Mary Price and I sold food plates to raise the $2000 for the building and there it all began. Children across the State had a platform to showcase their talents. I was forever hooked. It was a FREE event.

I connected with the community center in Fuquay Varina, NC because I wanted to do more and with little out of pocket cash, I needed a cheaper way to host events. Thanks to Anthony DiMarzo I was able to start, I LOVE ME CAMP. For three years (2013, 2014, 2015) my mom and I with the help of amazing friends, family, strangers, and local businesses we were able to provide a one-week evening camp to children FREE of charge. The target was families who had children that could use emotional support and encouragement and fun that typically are not able to attend summer camps due to parents work schedule, finances, or lack of opportunity. I started this because a friend came to me concerned about her child who had attempted to overdose because of bullying. I wanted to instill in the youth to first LOVE YOURSELF (40 youth attended this camp). Every year we had a few extras because it was hard to say no to a family that needed us. A parent had a plaque made and presented it to me along with letters of love and appreciation from campers. Best feeling ever knowing and hearing the change our camp made in their lives.

Over the years I have hosted events in the community all to better the youth and support the community at-large. Be Your Best Career Day was to show youth that there are more options out there to pursue past doctor, firemen, police, or a teacher. We all grew up thinking we had to be one of them. I Am Awareness Day was created to bring awareness to the challenges people faced right next door and to show that we all are responsible for our youth.

Holiday events were sponsored to just provide fun experiences that our community could be proud of. Local businesses supported every event. It made me proud to live in Fuquay Varina, NC. Through it all my husband George Speller, Sr. was the backbone supporting me with money and his carpentry skills. My children Terrell, Dyshon, Trevon and Geordan volunteered their time even when they didn’t want to.

The Summer of 2017, I enrolled in the master’s program at East Carolina University to pursue my degree in Birth to Kindergarten hoping it would open doors for me to further my passion. I graduated December 2019 with a 3.63 GPA and Master of Arts in Education (Birth to Kindergarten, Certificate Assistive Technology, Certificate in Autism, and a big fat student loan).

In 2018 while, still in school I started Purposeful Innovative Education Solutions, LLC also working full time at the Division of Child Development. I wanted to expand and start my road of entrepreneurship. I provided special instruction to children enrolled in the early intervention programs through home sessions with families, provide childcare training to childcare teachers, classroom coaching to Head Start and preschools. I became an approved provider for the American Red Cross providing Babysitter’s Training and CPR/First AID/ AED training to those wanting to be certified in basic level training. I started a half day preschool program called, The imPOSSIBLE Preschool, that was set to open July 1, 2020 but was halted due to COVID. I still used my preschool where I have written two short children’s books where the characters created and designed are family members with an emphasis on developmental milestone guide for parents and teachers for children 2-5 years old. Also, I am a substitute teacher for Wake County Public Schools and hope to resume subbing once COVID allows me to do so safely.

I truly realize that I am a coach and recently started Be Ya Best Coaching providing health and life coaching people to help them find their Happy Place as I have. I am homeschooling my daughter and started Speller Academy in April of 2020, which was perfect timing, as the schools all shut down soon after.

I have volunteered in Autism Walks, March of Dimes, MLK Day, The African American Cultural festival, The S.I.S.I The Giving Back to Garner Community Center, TCP Magazine, Back to School Events.