FOREST OF THE RAIN PRODUCTIONS An Educational Affairs Organization
  • HOME
    • Our Services
    • COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLNESS >
      • Community Health The Importance of Health and Wellness Kristen Kane Rise Up Nutrition
    • Forest Of The Rain Productions >
      • This is How We Can Help You To Increase Your Content Exposure
      • 2016-2017 ​I AM L.E.E. Awards Winners
      • The 2015-2016 I AM L.E.E. Award Winners
      • ​eCommencement Address >
        • Meet the 2021 eCommencement Address Writer
        • Meet the 2020 eCommencement Address Writer
        • Meet the 2019 eCommencement Writer
        • Meet the 2018 eCommencement Address Writer
        • Meet the 2017 eCommencement Address Writer
        • Meet the 2016 eCommencement Address Writer
        • Meet the 2015 eCommencement Address Writer
      • eConvocation Message
      • Narrative Changer >
        • 2017 Narrative Changers >
          • Donna Shannon
          • LaMarcus Jermaine Hall, M Ed.
          • Ayodele Harrison
        • 2016 ​Narrative Changers >
          • Dr. Shanelle R. Reid
          • Jonathan Pope
          • Doshon Farad
          • Antoinette Robinson
          • Nathan Thomas
          • Ronda Racha Penrice
          • Arianna A. Grant
          • Dr. Angelise Rouse
          • Lathardus Goggins II
          • Desmond Williams
          • Sarah Thomas
          • Felicia G. Meadows
          • Dr. Torie Weiston-Serdan
          • Dr. Nekeshia Hammond
          • Dr. Shawn Anthony Robinson
          • Tramaine L. Crawford
        • 2015 Narrative Changers >
          • Dr. Ramon Goings
          • Sia Knight
          • Dr. Andie P. Marwah
          • Stephen Powell
          • Kevin A. Rasberry
          • Joseph Ray
          • George Stewart
      • I AM L.E..E. >
        • George Noble I AM L.E.E.
        • Arianna Grant I AM L.E.E.
        • Sanya Gragg I AM L.E.E.
        • Phyl Macomber I AM L.E.E.
        • Christina N. Smith I AM L.E.E.
        • I AM L.E.E. T-SHIRT SALES
        • Parent is Proud to Say "I AM L.E.E."
        • Teacher is Proud to Say "I AM L.E.E."
        • School Administrator is Proud to Say "I AM L.E.E."
        • HOW DO YOU L.E.E.?
      • About Forest Of The Rain Productions
      • What Educators Are Saying About Us!
      • Our Sponsors >
        • Bridge2College Consulting
      • Founder and CEO >
        • Michel Robinson Discusses the Mission and Vision of Forest Of The Rain Productions
      • CO-CEO
      • Mission
      • our Vision >
        • At A Glance
      • CONTACT US
  • EDUCATION
    • The Voice of Dr. Michael Robinson >
      • The Voice of Dr. Michael Robinson Introduction
    • The Doctor's Report >
      • Normalizing Self-Care: Tips for Self-Care LaConti Bryant, Ed.D
      • A Mental Health Matter: Learning to Lead through the Grief Dr. Kelly Bullock Daugherty
      • Normalizing Self-Care Dr. LaConti Bryant
      • Leaving a Legacy or Chasing the Bag: Coach Prime versus Collective Investment Dr. Rashid Faisal
      • I AM DISAPPOINTED IN DEION SANDERS AKA PRIME TIME Dr Henry M. Carter
    • Educational Gateway Policy and Research Center
    • Educational Tapestry >
      • Culturally Relevant Pedagogy – What is It? Dr. Rashid Faisal
      • Five Educators Discuss Teacher Certification Challenges and Changes and How It Impacts Public Schools >
        • Q & A Dr. Donna M. Druery
        • Q & A LaTanya S. Sothern
        • Q & A Tara Kirton
        • Q & A Dr. Kelly Bullock Daugherty
        • Q & A Dr. LaConti Bryant
      • Leading Up While Managing the Unexpected
      • Dr. Cynthia Tyson The Importance of Examining the Development of Critical Race Theory (CRT)
      • Dr. Joya Crear Revisits the 1989 Howard University Student Protest and Why the Fight Has to Continue
      • New York Ends Programs for Gifted and Talented Students: So Now What, New York?
      • The Role of Africa During This HBCU Renaissance/Revolution:
      • Equity in Education >
        • ​Equity, Equality, and Education If equity is effective, what would it look like in schools?
        • If Equity is Effective, What Would it Look Like in Schools?
        • What is equity in education, and does it matter in the area of student achievement?
        • Can you outline the differences between equity and equality?
        • What is the concept of equity that is often misunderstood?
      • Schools Need More Crisis Intervention Personnel and Fewer School Police Officers
      • Making of the Documentary Robbed: A Mother's Peril The Kelley Williams-Bolar Story
      • How Art Can Have a Positive Impact on Student Behavior
    • Medication Adherence and Safety Radio Series >
      • Using Technology to Manage your Medication
      • An Interprofessional Approach to Medication Adherence and Disease Management
      • Reducing Stigma as a means to Increase Medication Adherence
      • Script Your Future: The Importance Medication Adherence in Disease Management
    • The Business of Education >
      • Professional Achievement >
        • Beloved, Black-Owned Drive-in Movie Theater
        • Q&A with Dr. Sheila Brooks
        • Q &A with Dr. Ty Stone
      • The Course >
        • Academic Achievement >
          • Preparing a child to be classroom ready
        • The Middle School Experience >
          • The Course The Middle School Experience: Introduction to Cognitive Development of Pre-adolescent Students
      • Making the Transition from Coursework to Dissertation
      • Advice to New Doctoral Learners and Candidates By Lyn Walden, EdS, EdD, PhD
      • How to Become an Educational Consultant by Leveraging Your Professional Network
      • The Cleopatra Teacher Rules: Effective Strategies for Engaging Students and Increasing Achievement
      • Teacher Retention and Teacher Residency Programs ​
      • immigrant and refugee Youth In The Classroom
      • Urban Teacher Preparation
      • Ethical Issues in Special Education
      • Understanding the Academy
    • The Teacher's Lounge >
      • 2022 Firearms and Learning Educators and Parents Share Their Thoughts About Arming Teachers
      • School Resource Officer Challenges to System and Systemic Leadership Dr. Dwayne Ham
      • To Meet or Not to Meet? That is the Question!
      • Is There a Need for School Resource Officers Dr. Natasha Mitchell
      • Is There a Need for School Resource Officers Aisha N. Braveboy
      • Lily P. Rowe Is There a Need for School Resource Officers?
      • 1st Quarter >
        • What the COVID-19 Crisis Says About America Today? >
          • Back on Track: Supporting Students with Disabilities after COVID-19
          • How the COVID-19 Crisis Impacted Student Learning and Safety?
          • Vicarious Trauma Among U.S. Educators Before COVID-19
          • What the COVID-19 Crisis Say About America's Issue of Food Insecurity?
          • What The COVID-19 Crisis Says About Equity and Online Learning
          • Educators and Education: The Common Sense and Soul of the Nation Aaron J. Griffen, Ph.D.
        • The Teacher's Lounge Arianna Grant
        • Special Education Articles and Interviews
        • The Teacher's Lounge Educators Reflect on 2016 and Look Ahead for 2017
        • ​Educators Reflect on the 2016-2017 School Year
      • 2nd Quarter >
        • Dr. Lori Desautels
        • Strategies for Educators
        • Dr. Jay Wamsted Why is it not racist for Black students to be wary of White teachers
        • What are we learning as Educators, Parents, and Civic Leaders as a result of the Chicago Public Schools Teacher strike?
        • Why the Importance of Black Male Teachers? Julius Davis, Ed.D. >
          • Unplugged Dr. Julius Davis Why Is There a Shortage of African American Male Teachers
        • Stacie McClam Why I Left Teaching
        • Two Scholars Aaron J. Griffen, Ph.D. & Liv Finne, Esq.
        • Understanding The Choice in School Choice
      • Mid-Term >
        • The Journey >
          • Dr. Kyle Randolph Bacon Persistence, Perseverance, and the Pursuit of Happiness
          • Dr. Lawrence Scott From Hopelessness, to the Hallways of Higher Education
          • Dr. Ericka W. Ways The Monumental Task and Rewarding Experience of a Life-Long Dream
          • Dr. Alvin L. Ward, II Journey to the Doctoral Degree
          • Dr. Michael A. Robinson The Importance of sharing your testimony!
      • 3rd Quarter >
        • Educators Look Ahead for the 2018-2019 School Year
        • The Teacher's Lounge Dr. Doris Lee
        • School Psychologist, Critical Thinker, and Musician
        • Wives Share Their Thoughts: Why It Is Important for Their Husbands and other Males of Color to Share Their Challenges and Victories! >
          • Young Gifted and Black Educator Shares Why He Had To Tell His Story
          • Educator Shares Why He Had To Tell His Story
      • 4th Quarter >
        • 3 Questions Veteran Substitute Teacher Denise Williams
        • Unplugged Dr. Pamela L Grayson Shares Her Opinion The Experiences of Being a Substitute Teacher
        • Dr. Mike Robinson Asked Educators
        • Firearms and Learning
        • Doctoral Degree vs Honorary Doctorate Degree
        • An African American Overview of Education Dr. Shanelle R. Benson Reid
        • Discounting Student Survivor Voices: ​An Offensive Strategy to Obfuscate Truth
        • We Don’t Teach Educators Enough About Trauma: We Should Do More Karen Gross
    • Education Video Talk >
      • Pandemic and Children
      • Quarantined Clap Back with Ashley Angel Simmons
      • Getting Strong To Be Strong with April Isaac
      • The QOTD Series Featuring Stacie McClam >
        • QOTD Stacie McClam Does it Make Sense to Add a New Program in the Middle of the School Year? ​
        • QOTD Stacie McClam Are School Suspensions Really Bad?
        • QOTD ​Stacie McClam Does Phonics Help Students to Become Better Readers?
        • QOTD ​Stacie McClam Why Are School Districts Still Practicing Social Promotion?
        • QOTD ​Stacie McClam: Is There a Place for Tracking: in Public Education
      • Dr. Dwayne Ham What Concerns Middle School Students Beyond the Surface One School Administrator's Perspective
      • Dr. Brenda Lloyd-Jones The Value of Faculty Mentoring
      • Dr. Breea C. Willingham Black Women, Police Violence and the American Criminal Injustice System Teesside Uni Lecture >
        • Dr. Breea C. Willingham The Post Teesside Uni Lecture Interview
      • Phyl Macomber What Does It Take For Schools To Close The Academic Gaps How Can Parents Help To Ensure The Academic Success Of Their Scholars?
      • Dr. Shanelle R. Benson Reid What Does It Take For Schools To Close The Academic Gaps?
      • What Ferguson Has Taught Me: Part 2
      • What Ferguson Has Taught Me!
      • Parents Talk First Day of School and Expectations for the School Year
      • Bullying
      • Three Types of Bullying
      • A Parent's Reaction To The Issue of Bullying
      • Does Bullying Change?
      • Men Make A Difference Day For Academic Success: The Importance of Black Male Teachers
      • National Men Make A Difference Day For Academic Success
      • Educational View Video: How would you improve education?
    • eMedia Networks >
      • e-Podcast Center >
        • Featured Interviews >
          • Dr. William R. Hite, Jr. Prince George's County Public Schools
          • Mrs. Nikki Guy-Dixon Talks About Home Schooling
          • Dr. Sean Yisrael: Classroom Management
          • Mr. Brandon Frame
          • Shirley Henderson
          • Anita H. Reed, Ph.D
          • Anne W. Foster
          • Dr. Andres Alonso
          • Mavis G. Sanders, Ph.D.
          • Laura Dean-Mooney
          • Rosalie Greenberg, M.D.
          • Dr. James Earl Lyons, Sr
          • Gov. Bob Wise
      • Living Education eTV >
        • Parental Engagement >
          • View Now
        • Father Engagement >
          • View Now
        • Bullying >
          • View Now
    • Our eRadio Networks >
      • Living Education eMagazine Radio
    • Living Education Social Justice >
      • THE UPRISING Dr. Natasha Mitchell Race, Poverty, and Police Brutality
      • THE UPRISING Mira Donaldson ​ Young, Gifted, and Advocate in the Fight Against Racial Inequality and Police Brutality
      • THE UPRISING Protesting to Protect Her Black Son and All Black Children ​
      • Race, Poverty, and Police Brutality Conversations on College Campuses When Students Return
      • A New Challenge Dr. Shanelle R. Benson Reid
      • Biased and Unjust Suspensions of Students of Color >
        • Fed Up and Speaking Up: Black Educators Share Recommendations to Reduce Biased and Unjust Suspensions of Black Boys
        • Fed Up and Speaking Up: Black Educators Share Recommendations to Reduce Biased and Unjust Suspensions of Black Boys
      • Educators Share Their Thoughts on the NFL and Jay-Z's Partnership >
        • Karen Gross Answers 4 Questions About the NFL & Jay-Z's Partnership ​
        • Dr. Raphael Crawford ​Answers 4 Questions About the NFL and Jay-Z's Partnership
        • Dr. Pamela Grayson ​Answers 4 Questions About the NFL and Jay-Z's Partnership
        • Dr. Rarkimm Fields ​Answers 4 Questions About the NFL and Jay-Z's Partnership ​
        • Ronda Racha PenriceAnswers 4 Questions About the NFL and Jay-Z's Partnership ​
        • Dr. Shonta Smith Answers 4 Questions About the NFL and Jay-Z's Partnership
    • Educational Views: The Views and perspectives >
      • Educational View Karen Gross
      • The 2020 election has important implications for the state of education Dr. Jide Bamishigbin Jr. Dr. Jahneille Cunningham
      • Funny Side of Education >
        • Dr. Mike Robinson All The Fish Are Dead
        • Karen Gross: The Perfect Fit
      • Living Education eAudio >
        • Living Education Educational View 2018 Season 5 >
          • Dr. Tom Granoff Educational View Making the Transition from Coursework to Dissertation: 22 Distinctions/Differences
          • Educational View Dr. Janice Wyatt-Ross
          • Janelle McLaughlin How Teachers Sometimes Feel They Are In The Fight Alone
          • Dr. Aaron J. Griffen Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Practices: Fact and Fiction
          • Dr. Andrea Peoples-Marwah How to Make Math and Science Exciting Beyond the Textbook​
          • Dr. Marcelle Mentor The collaborative potential of all learning experiences
          • Dr. Shanelle R. Benson Reid Superman is not coming to save us!
          • Beatrice Moore Luchin The Importance of Integrating a Social Justice Approach ​Within the K-12 Mathematics Curriculum
          • Dr. ​Taiwanna Anthony Education is Vital to Achieve Success in the 21st Century ​
        • Living Education Educational View Season 4 >
          • Dr. Nathaniel Bryan Value of Men of Color Sharing Their Stories
          • Michelle L. Williams ​Students Having Access to High Quality Math Instruction
          • McKenna Lewis How Parents Can Use Summer Break To Get Ready For Back To School and Student Success
          • ​LaMarcus J. Hall Where Are My True Educators? Come Forth!
          • Janelle McLaughlin Education Consultant, Presenter, Coach, Keynote Speaker and Trainer. The importance of student-driven learning
          • Dr. Cristina Rodriguez Chen Evaluating Children Who Are Culturally Diverse For Special Education
          • Dr. Deena Brown American Educational System Lacks Courageous Leadership​
          • Dr. Michelle Frazier Trotman Scott The Family (Parents, Guardians, Community) Are the First Educators of Their Children
          • Phyl Macomber Founder and CEO Make A Difference, Inc. How to Successfully Reach and Teach Children with Autism
          • Dede Rittman Author The Importance of School Leadership
        • Educational Views: Season 3 >
          • This Week's Educational View: Zane Marshall: The Importance of Internships
          • This Week's Educational View: Tanishka Chellani Education Reform Domestic and International Education Through Public Policy
          • This Week's Educational View: Karen Gross: Strategies for How to Improve Campus Culture -- whether it is toxic or just in need of reshaping
          • This Week's Educational View: Adrienne Benavides A National Epidemic: The low graduation rates of First Generation Black College Students
          • This Week’s Educational View: Dr. Idelia Phillips: What is Career and Technical Education, also known as CTE?
        • Educational Views: Season 2 >
          • This Week's Educational View: Tanishka Chellani: Education Reform
          • Educational View: Karen Stone: Teaching and Implementing the 7 Attributes of Emotional Intelligence
          • This Week's Educational View: Dede Faltot Rittman The Three C’s of Confidence, Communication, and Creativity
          • This Week's Educational View: Brad Currie: Activating Stakeholder Involvement in Schools Through Social Media and Technology
          • This Week's Educational View: 7 Steps to Creating a High Performing Student Centered Classroom
          • This Week's Educational View: Victoria Broussard
          • This Week's Educational View: Student Engagement: Denise Fawcett Facey
          • This Week's Educational View: Julian Vasquez Heilig: The Trouble With Charter Schools
          • This Week's Educational View: Stephen Flemming: Importance of Black Male Teachers in Schools
          • This Week's Educational View: Dorothy Powers Gorman: Failing The Pathway To Bigger Success
        • This Week's Educational View: Dr. Susan Gardner
        • This Week's Educational View: Allison Brown
        • This Week's Educational View
        • Archived Educational Views >
          • Special Holiday Educational View: Kelley Williams Bolar
          • Why I Joined My Local PTA
          • Bullying
          • Parental Engagement
          • Educational Views 50th Anniversary March and Rally in Washington, DC >
            • eEducational View: Dream Keeper
    • eVoices Speaker's Bureau >
      • Our eVoices: Speaker Topics
      • eVoices Speakers Bureau Request Form ​
    • Higher Education >
      • Rian N. Reed Doctoral Candidate
      • Roland Nuñez Doctoral Candidate
      • Sonia E. Gooden-Alexis Doctoral Candidate
  • PUBLICATIONS
    • Living Academic eJournal >
      • Fall 2018 Living Academic eJournal
    • How to Submit an Article
    • Living Education eNews
    • 2019 Living Education eMagazine Editions >
      • 2019 Summer Edition Living Education eMagazine (Vol. XXI) ​
    • 2018 Editions of Living Education eMagazine >
      • 2018 Summer Edition Living Education eMagazine (Vol. XX )
    • 2017 Editions of Living Education >
      • 2017 Fall Edition Living Education eMagazine Vol. 19 >
        • ​5 Damage Control Strategies Educational Institutions Can Employ in Times of Crisis By Kelly Alexander
      • 2017 Summer Edition Living Education eMagazine (Vol. XVIII)
    • 2016 Living Education eMagazine >
      • 2016 Fall Special Edition Living Education eMagazine (Vol. XVII) >
        • Book 2 2016 Fall Special Edition Living Education eMagazine (Vol. XVII)
      • 2016 Summer Edition Living Education eMagazine (Vol. XVI)
      • 2016 Spring Edition Living Education eMagazine (Vol. XV)
    • 2015 Editions: Living Education eMagazine >
      • The 2015 Fall Edition (Vol. XIV)
      • 2015 Summer Edition Living Education eMagazine (Vol. XIII)
      • 2015 Edition: Living Education eMagazine >
        • 2015 Special Edition: Off the Pages >
          • Why I Became An Entrepreneur Tracie Mitchell, Pond Owner/Operator Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More of Prince Georges
          • Why I Chose My College!
          • Challenges for the American Public Educational Systems? : An African American Woman's Perspective
          • What are the Educational Rights of Special Education Students and Their Families?
          • Special Edition Educational Views >
            • Denise Fawcett Facey Five Ways to Engage Students through Multicultural Education
            • Andrea M. Peoples-Marwah Mathematics and the Relationship of Achievement, Motivation and Concepts of Learning
            • Michelle Howard-Vital Family Life and Academic Achievement–What Can Families Do?
            • Ronda Racha Penrice
            • Robin T. Dorsey: Diabetes
          • Author's Corner >
            • Chronicles of a Grandma Mother Vanessa R. Tracy >
              • UNPLUGGED ​ Spiritual Warfare Vanessa Rodgers Tracy
            • A Brown Girl's Blues Lyric Justice
            • Having Early Visions That Move Mountains My Winning Purpose Eric S. York
            • Mr. Shipman's Kindergarten Chronicles Field Trip to the Farm
            • Rita M. Wirtz Reading Champions! Second Edition: Teaching Reading Made Easy >
              • UNPLUGGED RITA WIRTZ Challenges Schools Have Teaching Students to Read
            • Dr. Norris Roberts Mama Is Still Here >
              • UNPLUGGED ​Dr. Norris Roberts
            • Cynthia Alease Smith, Ed.D. White Supremacy and the Post-Racial Color Blind Era
            • Dr. Marcus D. Jackson 10 Daily Essentials For Principals: Tips for having an Effective, Efficient, Efficacious Day
            • DR. APRIL J. LISBON No More Residue
            • Traci L. Noland >
              • UNPLUGGED Traci Noland Jackson
            • Rita Wirtz, Stories from a Teacher’s Heart
            • Jillian Whatley, Ph.D. Lessons for our Daughters
            • Dr. Essie McKoy Women of Virtue Walking in Excellence: Inspirational Stories of Character, Wisdom, Courage and Strength
            • A Second Helping of Gumbo for the Soul >
              • Everett Scott The Importance of His Wife and Other Females of Color Sharing Their Stories
              • Education Consultant, Speaker, and Trainer Shares Her Story of Shattering Threats Dr. Kelly Bullock Daugherty
              • Mother, Psychologist, and Mentor Shares Her Story of Resilience and Faith Dr. Jillian Whatley
              • Mental Health Expert and Scholar Shares Her Story of Triumph Over Pain Dr. Renée L. Garraway ​
              • Passionate, Fearless Immigrant Shares Her American Story Dr. Marcelle Mentor
            • Stacie McClam School Dismissed: Walking Away From Teaching
            • Dr. Cheryl Price Anderson Guns! Guns! Guns! A Kid’s Guide to Gun Safety >
              • UNPLUGGED Dr. Cheryl Anderson The Importance of Talking Gun Safety with Your Children
            • Miriam Whitehead-Brice And I don't Surrender to Stigmas and Judgments >
              • UNPLUGGED Miriam Whitehead-Brice Sharing the Lessons of Life While Living, Thriving and Loving with HIV
            • UNPLUGGED Poems by Neil M. Noble ​A Better Man and The Bucket List
            • Dr. Elwood Watson Reviews Potential on the Periphery: College Access from the Ground Up
            • Terry A. O'Neal The Sparrow’s Plight and Sweet Lavender >
              • UNPLUGGED Terry A. O'Neal Selection from The Sparrow’s Plight
            • D Jare Campbell The 24 Hour Rule Determining Your Dating Partner's Marriage Potential In 30 Days >
              • UNPLUGGED D Jare Campbell Author Quality Time Vs. Quantity Time Which is the Most Important in the Relationship
            • Dr. Essie McKoy The Heart of School Transformation: My Journey into Transforming Urban Schools >
              • Unplugged Dr. Essie McKoy Strategies, Challenges, and Experiences Transforming Schools to High Performing Learning Environments
            • Dr. Sairah Qureshi Becoming Socially Fit!!!: Using Group Physical Fitness to Combat Bullying Behavior!!!
            • Dr. Estella Ingram-Levy SexCessFully Promotions
            • Shynia Baldwin Let’s Get Matched, Not Just Addicted to LOVE >
              • UNPLUGGED Shynia Baldwin
              • UNPLUGGED Shynia Baldwin The Importance of Life Insurance in Building Family Wealth
            • Timona Ross I Don't Moo >
              • UNPLUGGED Timona Ross
            • Principal Baruti Kafele Is My School a Better School BECAUSE I Lead It? >
              • Unplugged Principal Baruti Kafele
            • Larry Taylor It’s A STORM WITHOUT GOD… IT’S THE PERFECT JOURNEY WHEN YOU KNOW THE NAME OF JESUS IS GUARANTEED!!!
            • Jeff Hodges A Collection Of Conversations A Guide To Success Vol. 1
            • Erica Pullen Believing In Myself!
            • Dr. Brian L. Wright The Brilliance of Black Boys Cultivating School Success in the Early Grades >
              • Unplugged Dr. Brian L Wright
              • Unplugged Dr. Brian L. Wright #2
            • Dr. Terance Shipman Mr. Shipman's Kindergarten Chronicles: The First Day of School >
              • Unplugged Dr. Terance Shipman Advice for Educators on How to Effectively Work with Multiple Changes in School Leadership
              • Unplugged Dr. Terance Shipman
            • Dr. Christopher Wooleyhand School Leadership Lessons From...Life: A collection of school leadership lessons from the field
            • Katherine Reynolds Lewis The Good News About Bad Behavior: Why Kids Are Less Disciplined Than Ever?And What to Do About It
            • Felicia Meadows From Dreams to Reality: 21 Tips for Teens >
              • Unplugged Felicia Meadows The Value of Becoming Involved with Your Community Schools Before You Speak About Issues
            • JOY ELAN Holding On To My Pride >
              • Unplugged Joy Elan Part 2
              • Unplugged Joy Elan Part 1
            • Dr. Tommy J. Curry The Man-Not >
              • Dr. Tommy J. Curry Responds to Facebook Questions about His Book Man-Not
              • Unplugged Dr. Tommy J. Curry
            • Dusty Staub The Seven Acts of Courage: Bold Leadership for a Wholehearted Life
            • Shelia Spears, Joseph C. Spears ​Winning in Life!: Spirit, Soul, & Body >
              • UNPLUGGED SHELIA SPEARS AND JOSEPH C. SPEARS
            • Karen Gross and Marc Wine Lady Lucy’s Laugh Giraffe Journey
            • Michael A. Johnson Report To The Principal's Office Tools for Building Successful High School Administrative Leadership >
              • Unplugged Michael A. Johnson
            • Anthony Tilghman Bull "The
            • Brea C. Ratliff Lessons From the Master Teacher: An Educator's Journey with Jesus
            • Gail Bingham Make Education Great Again: Domestic Terrorism in Public School Education; It's Time for a Revolution!
            • Shauna F. King School Smart: Its More Than Just Reading & Writing
            • Dr. April J. Lisbon Stretched Thin Finding Balance Working and Parenting Children with Special Needs
            • Dr. Nekeshia Hammond: ADHD Explained: What Every Parent Needs to Know
            • Dr. Henry M. Carter Who Moved My Acorns?
            • Dr. Monica Burns Tasks Before Apps: Designing Rigorous Learning in a Tech-Rich Classroom
            • Mel Hawkins Reinventing Education, Hope, and the American Dream: The Challenge for Twenty-First Century America
            • Donna Shannon BEYOND MIS-EDUCATION Dis-Education in American Public Schools is Making Kids Mad! Mad! Mad!
            • Hilderbrand Pelzer III Unlocking Potential: Organizing a School Inside a Prison
            • Dr. Brenda T. Bradley I Feel Good: Real Life Testimonies From People Who Used Food as Medicine >
              • Unplugged with Dr. Brenda T. Bradley
              • ​Dr. Brenda T. Bradley Eating Healthy During the Super Bowl and Other Major Sporting Events
            • Julie Brown ​Intensive College Access Now (ICAN)
            • Dr. Michael Osit: Generation Text: Raising Well-Adjusted Kids in an Age of Instant Everything
            • Dr. Michael Osit The Train Keeps Leaving Without Me:
            • Archie Beslow: The Mentor That Inspires
            • Karen Gross Breakaway Learners:
            • ​Karen Gross: Teach Our Children Well
            • LaMarcus Hall I Refuse to Let You Give Up: To My Teens Who Feel All Hope Is Gone
            • Denis Sheeran Instant Relevance​
            • Donna Y. Ford, Ph.D., Joy Lawson Davis, Ph.D., Michelle Trotman Scott, Ph.D., Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz Ph.D. Gumbo for the Soul Liberating Memoirs and Stories to Inspire Females of Color
            • Dr. Shanelle R. Benson Reid Entrepreneurship 101: Effective Strategies for Living on Purpose
            • Dede Rittman GRADY GETS GLASSES
            • Dr. Angelise Rouse: The King Inside: Practical Advice for Young African-American Males ​​
            • ​Carolyn R. Green Bondfire: A Tale of Love, Betrayal and a Dangerous Game
            • Gina Humber IT'S ALL GOOD-Book about Self Acceptance & Diversity
            • David Miller The Greene Family Farm
            • Annie Fox, M.Ed.
            • Casey Elisha
            • Catherine Trotter
            • Dan Blanchard
            • Dede Faltot Rittman
            • Denise Fawcett Facey
            • Dr. Chris L. Hickey, Sr
            • Dr. LaMarr Darnell Shields
            • Dr. LaSean Rinique
            • Dr. Sairah Qureshi
            • Dr. Sean B. Yisrael
            • Dr. Shanelle Reid
            • Dr. Shonta Smith
            • Dr. Stephen Jones
            • Karen Gross
            • Kenya Conway-Jones
            • Kimberly K. Parker
            • Liz Nead
            • Matt Prestbury
            • Rafranz Davis
            • Shelly Sanchez Terrell
            • José Luis Vilson
    • 2014 Editions: Living Education eMagazine >
      • 2014 Fall Edition
      • 2014 Summer Edition
      • 2014 Spring Edition
      • Special Edition 2014
    • 2013 Editions: Living Education eMagazine >
      • Fall Edition 2013
      • Winter Edition 2013
      • Summer Edition 2013
    • 2012 Editions: Living Education eMagazine >
      • Fall Edition 2012
      • Winter Edition 2012
      • Summer Edition 2012
    • 2011 Edition: Living Education eMagazine >
      • Summer Edition 2011
    • Organizations To Know >
      • Partnership For Children & Youth
  • FAIR HOUSING
    • Robert Strupp, Esq. Housing Champion
    • Andreanecia M. Morris Executive Director for HousingNOLA
    • Stella Adams Housing Experts Defines the Term REO
    • Fair Housing ​Stella Adams​ Education The Importance of Equal Housing Opportunity and Access to a Quality
    • 3 Facts with Lisa A. Kelly, Esq. Reminders for Respondents Avoiding Potential Fair Housing Violations
    • 3 Facts with Lisa A. Kelly, Esq. 3 Considerations for Complainants of Housing Discrimination to Consider
    • iBrief: Lost in the Shuffle of the Foreclosure Dilemma
    • Students Benefit from Homeownership
    • Promoting the Goals of Fair Housing
    • How Can CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) Funding Support Education and Fair Housing
    • School Closings and Fair Housing
    • Consequences When Fair Housing is not Addressed
    • What is Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing
    • Interviews
    • EDUCATION, HOUSING and RESEARCH NEWS TODAY >
      • EHR: The Q & A
  • RESEARCH
    • Researchers, Scholars, and Practitioners >
      • The Morrill Land Grant Acts and the Roots of Higher Educational Opportunity for African-Americans by Deondra Rose, Ph.D.
      • Is California Doing Enough to Close the School Discipline Gap? By Daniel J. Losen and Paul Martinez
      • Seminal Research Dr. Farah Farahati Mental Health, Schooling, and Labor Market Outcomes
      • Seminal Research Dr. Tanya Sandrock ​
      • Making Student Achievement a Priority: The Role of School Counselors in Turnaround Schools: Hines et al.
      • Dr. Donna Y. Ford: Inequities and Discrimination in Gifted Education: Why Hispanic and Black Students are Under-Represented and the Case of District U-46
      • ​ Socio-Emotional & Psychological Issues and Needs of Gifted African-American Students: Culture Matters​
      • Michelle Frazier Trotman Scott, Ph.D.
      • Ingah Davis-Crawford
    • Research Studies: >
      • The Dissertation >
        • Just Starting Your Dissertation?
      • Studies of Importance >
        • Leadership and Trauma Informed Schools Dr. Yolanda Peay
        • Motivation and Engagement in Student Assignments: The Role of Choice and Relevancy
        • Dr. Tommy J. Curry and Dr. Gwenetta D. Curry On the Perils of Race Neutrality and Anti-Blackness
        • Dr. Tommy J. Curry and Dr. Gwenetta D. Curry TAKING IT TO THE PEOPLE
        • Tommy J. Curry, Ph.D. Ebony A. Utley, Ph.D. She Touched Me: Five Snapshots of Adult Sexual Violations of Black Boys
        • Donna Y. Ford, Kenneth T. Dickson, Joy Lawson Davis, Michelle Trotman Scott, and Tarek C. Grantham A Culturally Responsive Equity-Based Bill of Rights for Gifted Students of Color ​ >
          • An Exclusive Q&A A Culturally Responsive Equity-Based Bill of Rights for Gifted Students of Color
        • Zarrina Talan Azizova and Pamela P. Felder ​ Understanding racial/ethnic meaning making Narrative analysis of STE[A]M doctoral student experiences
        • Ahmad R. Washington, Ph.D. and Renae D. Mayes, Ph.D. ​ Addressing the Needs of Racially, Ethnically, and Linguistically Diverse Students with Disabilities
        • Johanna K. P. Greeson, Lindsey M. Weiler, Allison E. Thompson, Heather N. Taussig A FIRST LOOK AT NATURAL MENTORING AMONG PREADOLESCENT FOSTER CHILDREN
        • Characteristics and education outcomes of Utah high school dropouts who re-enrolled
        • Seema Shah and Grace Sato Building a Beloved Community: Strengthening the Field of Black Male Achievement ​
        • The Future of Youth Justice: A Community-Based Alternative to the Youth Prison Model
        • Attitudes and beliefs of older youth in foster care about child welfare-based natural mentoring
        • Natural mentoring among older youth in and aging out of foster care: A systematic review
        • Maria Alexandra Incorporating Music Strategies into Early Spanish Language Acquisition
        • Learning English Through Music
        • (Re)defining the Narrative: High-Achieving Nontraditional Black Male Undergraduates at a Historically Black College and University
        • Working with Twice-Exceptional African American Students: Information for School Counselors ​
        • The Seminal Dr. Donna Y Ford: A Study of Achievement and Underachievement Among Gifted
        • Using Blooms−Banks Matrix to Develop Multicultural Differentiated Lessons for Gifted Students
        • Foster Youth and the Transition to Adulthood : The Theoretical and Conceptual Basis for Natural Mentoring
        • Child Welfare Professionals’ Attitudes and Beliefs About Child Welfare-Based Natural Mentoring for Older Youth in Foster Care
        • Racial Discrimination and Resilience in African American Young Adults: Examining Racial Socialization as a Moderator: Dr. Danice L. Brown and Dr. Tracy L. Tylka:
        • Making Sense of Transitions: An Examination of Transfer among Economically Disadvantaged Undergraduates
        • Foster Youth and Social Support: The First RCT of Independent Living Services
        • The Cohort Leadership Development Model: Student Perspectives
        • Board of Trustees Of Colleges and Universities Staying in Touch with Their Students
        • Stress and the College Student
        • Why Historically Black Colleges and Universities Are Needed in the 21st Century.
        • Understanding Race in Doctoral Student Socialization
        • Self-Compassion and Body Dissatisfaction in Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Brief Meditation Intervention
    • Research Lab >
      • African American Studies >
        • African American Philosophy and Religion
      • African American Women Studies >
        • African American Women Leadership
        • African American Women and STEAM Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics
      • Business of Education >
        • Business of Education >
          • Business Development
          • Entrepreneurship
          • For-Profit Education
          • Organizational Culture Business, Education and Non-Profit
          • Workforce Development
      • Children and Youth >
        • Girls
      • Civic Involvement >
        • Community Activism
      • Criminal Justice, Law and Law Enforcement >
        • Criminal Justice, Law and Law Enforcement Research >
          • Law Enforcement and Community Relationships
          • Professional Development
          • Women, Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice and Corrections
      • Cultural Competence Education >
        • Culturally Competent Research, Assessments, and Evaluations
      • Finance, Investments and Trading >
        • Finance
      • Fitness, Nutrition, and Wellness >
        • Food Insecurity
        • Obesity, Weight, and Health
      • Government >
        • Military Science, Leadership, Management, and Education ​
        • Psychological Impact of War
        • Public Safety
      • Housing >
        • Fair Housing
        • Homelessness
      • K-12 >
        • K-12 Education Research >
          • K-12 Achievement Gap
          • African American Students
          • African American Educators
          • African American Males
          • African American Male Teachers
          • K-12 Bullying
          • Counseling and Guidance
          • Curriculum and Academic Services
          • ​Elementary Education
          • Emotional Behavior Disorder and Mental Health and Well-Being
          • Gifted and Talented
          • Governance
          • K-12 Mathematics
          • Language
          • Latino and Hispanic
          • Leadership
          • Parental Engagement
          • Professional Development
          • Reform
          • School Discipline and Behavioral Management
          • STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
          • Special Education/Inclusion
          • Teachers
          • Testing
          • Upward Bound
      • Language >
        • Culture and Archaeology
      • Leadership >
        • Leadership Styles >
          • Dr. Devin DeLaughter Short Documentary Trailer Highlights Research Topic Transformational Leadership
      • Higher Education >
        • Higher Education Research >
          • Achievement Gap
          • African American
          • Athletics
          • Community College
          • FACULTY/FACULTY DEVELOPMENT
          • Financial Aid
          • HIGHER EDUCATION LEADERSHIP
          • Online and Distance Learning
          • Organization Management and Effectiveness
          • Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
          • ​Social Justice
          • Student Learning and Outcomes
          • Student Services
          • Teacher Education Programs
      • Health, Human Services and Social Services >
        • Health, Human Services and Social Services Research >
          • Family Relationships
          • Foster Care
          • Health, Hospital, and Medical Services
          • Organization and Sustainability: Child Welfare
          • Organizational Development/Workforce Development
      • RACE AND THEORY >
        • Race, Racism, and Power
      • Religion, Spirituality, and Faith >
        • Congregation and Denomination
      • STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math >
        • Business and Technology
        • Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Women of Color ​
        • Space Exploration
      • Violence >
        • Urban Youth Violence
      • Women of Color ​Educational Leadership
      • Women Studies >
        • African American Women History
        • Women And Religion
    • Research: Living Academic Research >
      • Living Academic Research ​Dr. Cynthia Alease Smith Writing While Black – Exploring Perceptions of African American Writing in the 21st Century
      • Living Academic Research Dr. Natoshia Anderson An Analysis of African American Gifted Girls’ Achievements in Mathematics and Science Classes
      • Living Academic Research Dr. Pamela L. Grayson: The Spiritual Development of Online Church Attendees Compared with Traditional Church Attendees
      • Living Academic Research Dr. Dorothy C. Handfield In-School Violent Behavior Impacts Future Goals for Low Socioeconomic Status Black Male Students who were Exposed to Community Violence
      • Living Academic Research Dr. Donna Y. Ford How to Become a leading Educational Consultant?
      • Living Academic Research ​Dr. Devin DeLaughter Transformational Leadership​
      • Living Academic Research Dr. Sean Yisrael
      • Living Academic Research Dr. David Kenneth Waldman
      • Living Academic Research with Dr. Edsel B. Clark
      • Living Academic Research Dr. Sairah Qureshi
      • Living Academic Research Dr. Breea Chaunte Willingham
      • Living Academic Research Dr. Lydia Ross
      • Living Academic Research Understanding and Achieving in the Publish or Perish Culture of Higher Education
      • Living Academic Research: Dr. Delic Loyde
      • Living Academic Research Dr. Ericka L. Woods
      • Living Academic Research: Dr. Kyle R. Bacon
      • Living Academic Research: Dr. Shanelle R. Reid
      • Living Academic Research: Dr. Shonta Smith
      • Living Academic Research with Dr. Melanie M. Acosta
    • Research Nugget >
      • ​Dr. LaConti Bryant Breaks Down Her Ground-Breaking Study
      • Research Nugget Dr. Pamela Grayson
    • Reference Research >
      • Research on African American Male Teachers
      • Bullying Research
      • Career Development
      • Community College Research
      • Curriculum
      • Early Childhood Research
      • Education Reform
      • Fair Housing and Education
      • Fatherhood
      • Finance Researc
      • Foster Care Research
      • Gifted and Talented Children
      • Government and Education
      • Health
      • Higher Education
      • High School
      • Homeschool
      • Law
      • Literacy
      • Outreach
      • Parents
      • Parental Engagement
      • Public Education: K-12
      • School Goverance
      • School Partnership
      • Special Education
      • Sports
      • STEM
      • Summer Learning
      • Teacher and Union: Views and Perspectives
      • Technology
      • Workforce Development and Education
      • October is Early Month for Forest Of The Rain Productions >
        • 5 Effective Strategies to Help Your Kids Learn to Read
        • Six Tips for Growing Good Readers: Christopher Wooleyhand, Ph.D.
    • Research Potpourri >
      • Takeaways from Reviewing Proposals across Disciplines for AERA Aaron J. Griffen, PhD
      • The Doctoral Pursuit >
        • Dr. Lyn’s Help for Self-editing Series >
          • Part 1​ Dr. Lyn’s Help for Self-editing
        • Mental Health >
          • Part 1 Dr. Jennifer Rounds-Bryant ​​Maintaining Mental Health Through The Doctoral Process
          • Part 2 Dr. Jennifer Rounds-Bryant Maintaining Mental Health Through The Doctoral Process
      • Information, Questions, Facts and Blogging >
        • Dr. Joseph C. Spears Health Expert, Scholar, and Author
        • Lori Shemek, Ph.D. Five Quick Health Tips
        • 55 Men of Color Share Powerful Stories of Victories
        • Proposal, Prospectus, and Dissertation
        • Why are papers rejected so many times? by Dr. Lyn Walden
        • Dr. Gwenetta Curry My First Semester as an Assistant Professor
        • Seven Reasons Why It’s Important to Expand the Voices of the Seldom Heard
        • Educators Weigh in on the Potential Impact of What is Happening in Ferguson
        • In Case You Missed It: Ashley Hill and the College Scholarship Maze
        • Surveys and Questionaires >
          • Where's the T in PTA?
        • 3 Questions with Educators >
          • 3 Questions Tom Granoff, Ph.D. How to Create a Qualitative Dissertation Topic that Will Enhance Your Future Career ​
          • 3 Questions Michel Davis Robinson An Interview with Dr. Michael A. Robinson About Forest Of The Rain Productions
          • 3 Questions with Raphael Crawford Tells Us Why Parents Should Use The Summer To Seriously Prepare For The Beginning Of School! >
            • UNPLUGGED What Should the Conversation About Student Performance Data with Parents Look Like? Dr. Raphael Crawford @DrRaphaelC
          • 3 Questions with Dr. Sairah Qureshi : The Culture of Bullying
          • 3 Questions with Espree Devora: Women in Tech
          • 3 Questions with Dr. Elwood Watson: Race: The Ongoing American Dilemma
          • 3 Questions with Dmitri Mehlhorn: Why You Are An Active Father In Your Child's Education?
          • 3 Questions with Dr. Ralph Gardner, III: African American Students and Special Education
          • 3 Questions with Shelly Sanchez Terrell: 30 Goals Challenges for Teachers
          • 3 Questions with Dr. Kim Weeden The Link Between a Student's Family Income and Their Choice of a College Major?
          • 3 Questions with Dr. Nicole McZeal Walters: African American Women and Leadership at Predominantly White Institutions of Higher Education
          • 3 Question with Matthew Frattali: Technology and Learning
          • 3 Questions with Stella Adams: HUD ruling on Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH)
          • 3 Questions with Dr. Natoshia Anderson: What Are The Challenges Confronting African American Women As They Seek A Successful STEM Career?
          • 3 Questions with Dr. Michelle Howard-Vital: Part 2: The Importance of Alumni Giving and Its Impact on Institution Success
          • 3 Questions with 3 Questions with Dr. Cory Koedel: Are For-Profit Colleges Bad for Higher Education?
          • 3 Questions with Dr. Donna Y. Ford: “Telling Our Stories” Culturally Different Adults Reflect on Growing Up in Single-Parent Families
          • 3 Questions with Raymond Burse: President Kentucky State University: Part I:The Importance of Alumni Giving and Its Impact on Institution Success
          • 3 Questions with Dr. Leah Whigham: The Childhood Obesity Crisis in America and Can Recess Make A Difference
          • 3 Questions with Catrice Alphonso: Youth Development
          • 3 Questions with Dr. Monica Randall: Importance of an Allergy-Friendly Collegiate Environment
          • 3 Questions with Dr. Marva Robinson: The Impact of the McKinney,Texas Incident on Children
          • 3 Questions with Gina Byrd-Phelps What is Differentiated Instruction?
          • 3 Questions: Does It Matter Where You Went To College?: Marcia Robinson, SPHR
          • 3 Questions with Felicia Meadows: Transitioning From Middle School to High School
          • Lee Cameron, Jr. Preparing Young People to Compete in a Global Economy?
          • 3 Questions with Dr. Tekemia Dorsey Effective Leadership in Time of Crisis
          • 3 Questions with David Miller: Youth and Baltimore
          • 3 Questions with Narrative Changer Stephen Powell: The Benefits of Mentoring
          • 3 Questions with Kimberly Mitchell: Inquiry Learning
          • 3 Questions with Sonya Harris: Gardening in the Classroom
          • 3 Questions: Robert Strupp Zip Codes and Fair Housing Violations
          • 3 Questions with Kris Giere: Strengths-Based Pedagogy
          • 3 Questions with Dr. Franklin Wilson: Ferguson Police Department
          • 3 Questions with Dr. Rinata Tanks: Multi-Component Behavior Intervention Strategies
          • 3 Questions Dr. Sean Yisrael: Effective Strategies for Engaging Students and Increasing Achievement
          • 3 Questions with Jordyn Goddard: Importance of Education
          • 3 Questions with Chris Lubienski: The Public School Advantage
          • 3 QUESTIONS with Carrie Gross Charney: Lifelong Learning
          • 3 Questions with Derek Laney About Ferguson/October
          • 3 Questions with Dr. Christopher Wooleyhand
          • 3 Questions with Michael P. Marsh
        • 3 Questions: Season 2 >
          • 3 Questions Dr. Fatima Williams Castro Professional Development...Does it Matter for Educators?
          • 3 Questions ​Aaron J. Peña Effective School Leaders ​
          • 3 Questions Dr. George Noble The Importance of Tutoring ​
          • 3 Questions with Suzanne Sibole Keeping Schools Safe
        • 3 Questions Season 3 >
          • 3 Questions Dr. Cynthia A. Tyson The Value of Multicultural Literature for Children and Young Adults
        • 3 Questions Season 4 >
          • 3 Questions Dr. Pamela Felder Doctoral Students Creating Content
          • 3 Questions Rhonda Ragsdale ​What is Social Justice
          • 3 Questions Tramika Craddock Why Become a Stay at Home Mom?
          • 3 Questions Lily Rowe Importance of Quality School Facilities and Their Relationship to Student Success
          • 3 Questions Gina Humber What Does It Take For Schools To Close The Academic Gaps
          • 3 Questions Raaheela Ahmed ​Why Should Youth Become Actively Involved in Their Local School Systems?
          • 3 Questions Christopher Wooleyhand, Ph.D. How The Peace Corps Changed My Life
          • 3 Questions Barbara Edmonds Parental/Family Engagement and Does It Really Matter in Student Achievement
          • 3 Questions Denis Sheeran ​How Can Math Challenged Parents Help Their Children with Math?
          • 3 Questions with Dr. Heidi Scott Giusto Beyond The Ph.D.
        • 3 Questions Season 5 >
          • 3 Questions Keisha Chase ​The importance of parents, families and communities banding together to support schools
          • 3 Questions with Dr. Larry J. Walker Protecting and Understanding the Relevance of HBCUs
          • 3 Questions Silvester Mata How colleges and universities view the admission of students from a school district with possible irregularities related to grading, attendance, and graduation rates >
            • ​UNPLUGGED Silvester (Sly) Mata Graduate Research Fellow , College of Education; University of Houston Shares More About the College Admission Process
          • 3 Questions Ashley Hill
          • Dr. Tom Granoff Difference Between Dissertation Coach and Dissertation Consultant: and The Value of Both?
        • 3 Questions Season 6 >
          • Tom Granoff Qualitative or Quantitative Dissertation: Deciding the Best Design for You
        • Five Facts To Know >
          • 5 Questions ​Dr. Kianga Thomas Males of Color Sharing Their Stories
          • Tracy Crooks: 5 Accessories "A Man Can Purchase His Wife to Accentuate Her Brand"
          • 2 Questions Dr. Thom D. Chesney
          • 5 FACTS TO YOUTH CAREER COACHING NATASCHA SAUNDERS
          • 5 TIPS FOR NEW TEACHERS ON THEIR FIRST SUMMER BREAK
          • 5 TIPS PARENTS CAN USE TO IMPROVE THEIR CHILDREN MATH SKILLS DURING THE SUMMER
          • FIVE TECHNOLOGY TIPS PARENTS OF MILLENNIAL STUDENTS NEED TO KNOW
          • FIVE QUESTIONS WITH STANLEY PLUMLY: DEVELOPING AN APPRECIATION OF POETRY
          • TOP FIVE (5) WEDDING GIFTS FOR A SUMMER WEDDING?
          • 5 FACTS DIGITAL LITERACY
          • 5 MONDAY MORNING INSPIRATIONS: DR. SHONTA SMITH
          • 5 MONDAY MORNING INSPIRATIONS: DR. SHONTA SMITH
          • 5 MONDAY MORNING INSPIRATIONS
          • 5 REASONS ONLINE EDUCATION IS WORTH IT
          • 5 MORE WAYS TO KEEP THE LEARNING GOING DURING THE LAST MONTH OF THE SUMMER
          • 5 WAYS TO KEEP THE LEARNING GOING DURING THE LAST MONTH OF SUMMER
          • 5 EASY WAYS FATHERS CAN BECOME ENGAGED IN THE ACADEMIC LIVES OF THEIR CHILDREN
          • 5 FACTS ABOUT THE 1968 FAIR HOUSING ACT YOU NEED TO KNOW
          • 5 FACTS ALL FATHERS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THEIR IMPORTANCE IN THE LIVES OF CHILDREN
          • 5 FACTS ABOUT STAYING HEALTHY DURING THE SUMMER
          • 5 FACTS TO CREATING A STUDENT CENTERED CAMPUS
          • 5 FACTS TO KNOW ABOUT DISSERTATION WRITING
    • Housing
    • Surveys/Polls >
      • Where's T in PTA
      • Education and Housing Poll
  • OUR BLOG: YOUR VOICE
    • CLICK OUR BLOG: YOUR VOICE >
      • Educators Answer Will Social Distancing Work in Schools?
      • Scholar Voices >
        • 4 Scholars 4 Questions The Value and Significance of ​Historically Black Colleges and Universities
        • 6 Scholars 5 Questions A Rarity To Be Reckoned with African American Male Teachers
        • 6 Scholars 6 Questions Expanding the Voices of the Seldom Heard
        • 6 Scholars 6 Questions School Choice​ >
          • Lisa Alva: An Educator Shares Her Views on Charter Schools >
            • Event Planning 101 Tiffany Renee Balmer
            • McKenna Lewis K-12 Administrators
            • Kim Moss The Wedding Planner Shares A Wedding Discussion For All Brides
            • Digital natives & digital immigrants: A new teaching & learning paradigm
            • MENTAL HEALTH >
              • Mental Health and Educational Experts Answer A Parent's Question How in-school trauma impacts students and teachers? >
                • Dr. Larry Walker Recommends Limiting a School Resource Officer's (SRO) Involvement with Discipline
                • Dr. Donna Y. Ford The Need to Address School-Based Trauma for Black Students
                • UNPLUGGED ​Dr. Lori Desautels
              • EDU STUFF >
                • Teacher Talks hosted by Stacie McClam, JD, M.Ed
                • Author's Corner >
                  • Desmond Williams >
                    • UNPLUGGED Desmond Williams @Nylinka
                  • ​ Dr. Dennisha Murff >
                    • UNPLUGGED Dr. Dennisha Murff
                  • Dr. Shanelle R. Benson Reid >
                    • UNPLUGGED Dr. Shanelle Reid Benson The Importance of Good Quality Content When Creating Your Brand
                    • UNPLUGGED Dr. Shanelle Reid Benson How Forest Of The Rain Productions Supported My Branding
                    • UNPLUGGED Dr. Shanelle Reid Benson How an Educator Became an Entrepreneur and Remained an Educator
                  • Michelle Lawson >
                    • UNPLUGGED Michelle Lawson Self-Care
                    • UNPLUGGED Michelle Lawson The Beginning of Abuse
                • Books We Recommend for the Holiday ​
                • Experiences Co-authoring with a Dissertation Chair
                • 15 Authors Sharing Their Gift
      • Blogging and Stuff >
        • What is Instructional & Course Design?
        • Addressing the Needs in a Cross Cultural, Technology Mediated, Distance Education Environment
        • Rusul Alrubail: The Importance of Student Voices
        • Mom Congress Rep (KY) Brenda Martin on the Importance of Quality Childcare and other aspects of Education
  • eFOCUS NEWS
    • ​Living Education eFocus News Overcoming the Challenges of Being Dyslexic Achieving, Succeeding, and Winning ​Ameer Baraka
    • Living Education eFocus News Dr. Nekeshia Hammond >
      • UNPLUGGED Dr. Nekeshia Hammond
    • Living Education eFocus News Dyana Rozay >
      • UNPLUGGED Dyana Rozay
    • Living Education eFocus News Dr. Tanya J. Middleton >
      • UNPLUGGED Dr. Tanya J. Middleton Mental Health
    • Living Education eFocus News Tamika Peters
    • Living Education eFocus News JC Bowman The Teacher Certification Challenges and Changes and how it Impacts Public Schools
    • Living Education eFocus News Tyrone D Dove Sr. Discusses How the Use of Corporal Punishment Resulted in Child Abuse and Assault Charges
    • Living Education eFocus News The Potential Benefits of Virtual Reality (VR) in Supporting the Social Emotional Learning of Students ​ >
      • UNPLUGGED Kelly Williams-Bolar The Shooting in Texas
      • UNPLUGGED Kelly Williams-Bolar Discussion with Students About the Shooting in Texas ​
      • UNPLUGGED Kelly Williams-Bolar Challenges in School Building
    • Living Well-Being >
      • Living Well-Being ​Dr. Michael Osit
      • Living Well-Being Jahmela Williams
    • Living Education eFocus News Season 5 >
      • Living Education eFocus News How the National Shortage of Bus Drivers Has Impacted Portsmouth Public SchoolsDr. Elie Bracy
      • Living Education eFocus News ​Dr. Sydney Freeman Jr
      • Living Education eFocus News Donna Y. Ford >
        • UNPLUGGED Dr. Donna Y. Ford
      • Living Education eFocus New Randi Weingarten
      • Living Education eFocus News Dr. Marcelle Mentor The Angst of Students and Teachers About the Return to In-Person and Hybrid Learning
      • Living Education eFocus News Dr. Jamie Aliveto and Paul Lebo Frederick County Public School Leaders Discuss Steps Taken to Reopen Schools for In-Person Learning
      • Living Education eFocus News Dr. Jaime Slaughter-Acey Assistant Professor, Epidemiology Why African Americans Should Participate in Medical Clinical Trials for COVID-19 Vaccines
      • Living Education eFocus News Dr. Elwood Watson
      • Living Education eFoucs News The Importance of Critical Race Theory Dr. Marvin Lynn
      • Living Education eFocus News Dr. Cynthia Alease Smith
    • Living Education eFocus News: Season 4 >
      • Living Education eFocus News Leading and Educating During COVID-19 ​Dr. Miranda Avant-Elliott
      • Living Education eFocus News Ahe Changing Landscape of HBCU Sports and the Undervaluing of Black Media.D. Drew
      • Living Education eFocus News Dr. Jaime Slaughter-Acey COVID-19 and Racial Health Disparities >
        • UNPLUGED DR. JAMIE SLAUGHTER-ACEY
      • Living Education eFocus News Dr. J Kenyatta Cavil The Impact of COVID-19 on HBCU Sports
      • Living Education eFocus News Donnita Drain-Rogers Langston University Suspends 2020 Fall Athletics Amid COVID-19 Health Concerns
      • Living Education eFocus News A.D. Drew The Possibility of the SIAC Suspending Fall 2020 Athletics
      • Living Education eFocus News The Importance of Self-Care for People of Color ​Dr. Phyllis Hubbard >
        • UNPLUGGED Dr. Phyllis Hubbard How She Started Her Self-Care Journey ​
        • UNPLUGGED Dr. Phyllis Hubbard How To Start Your Self-Care Journey ​
      • Living Education eFocus News How the College Admission Scandal Impacts the Higher Education Landscape
      • Living Education eFocus News Maryland's First Step Toward Free Community College Tuition Dr. Dawn Lindsay
      • ​Living Education eFocus News Dr. Rosalind Osgood How Can Schools Keep Students Safe in the Wake of the Parkland School Shootings
    • Living Education eFocus News: Season 3 >
      • Living Education eFocus News Rosalie Greenberg, MD What is P.A.N.D.A.S >
        • UNPLUGGED Rosalie Greenberg, MD
      • eFocus News Benjamin Lloyd Crump, Esq.
      • eFocus News Dr. NarendraThagunna ​Adolescent Suicide
      • eFocus News Richard Gallot, Jr. HBCU Presidents Meet with President Donald Trump
      • eFocus News Presidential Executive Order The White House Initiative to Promote Excellence and Innovation at Historically Black Colleges and Universities
      • eFocus News: Andreanecia M. Morris: Eliminating Access to Government Databases on Housing Disparities
    • Living Education eFocus News: Season 2
    • Living Education eFocus News: Season 1 >
      • eFOCUS NEWS >
        • Living Education eFocus News Special Report: Voices of the People of Ferguson and St. Louis, Missouri >
          • Living Education eFocus: College Students Danielle M. McFadden and Carly M. Jones Discuss the Role of Youth in Keeping the Fight for Justice Alive
          • Living Education eFocus News: An Exclusive Interview with Antonio French Alderman St Louis
          • Living Education eFocus News: Discusses Fair Housing with Will Jordan, JD, Executive Director, Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing Opportunity Council
          • Living Education eFocus News: Dr. Shonta Smith An Analysis of St. Louis/Ferguson, Mo
          • Living Education eFocus: Dr. Marva M. Robinson Offers Insight on the Impact of Violence on the Youth of Ferguson
          • Living Education eFocus News: A Conversation on the State of St. Louis Education with Brittany N. Packnett
          • eFocus News: An Exclusive Interview with Velma Bailey, St. Louis Community Leader
          • Living Education eFocus News: Former Ferguson Resident Shares His Thoughts
          • Living eFocus News: Terry Artis discusses The State of St. Louis Missouri and How Education Can Change The Narrative
      • OUR CAMPAIGNS >
        • Living Education: Re-Defining The Narrative
        • Living Education eMagazine: Google Hangouts >
          • Living Education: Re-Defining The Narrative: Funding Your Non-Profit
          • Living Education: Re-Defining The Narrative: From Discussion to Implementation
          • Living Education: Re-Defining The Narrative: African American Fathers and Student Success
          • Living Education: Re-Defining The Narrative: What is Career and College Ready?
          • Living Education: Re-Defining The Narrative: The Business of Education: The Entrepreneur
          • Living Education: Re-Defining The Narrative: The Importance of HBCUS and the Role of Alumni
          • Living Education: Re-Defining The Narrative: Parental Engagement and African American Families
          • Living Education: Re-Defining The Narrative: Funding The Dream.. Paying for a College Education
          • Living Education: Re-Defining The Narrative: Taking Matters Into Their Own Hands
          • Living Education: Re-Defining The Narrative: Minority Students and STEM/STEAM
          • Living Education: Re-Defining The Narrative: Challenges facing African American males
        • The National Men Make A Difference Day For Academic Success >
          • 2018 National Men Make A Difference Day For Academic Success Survey
          • The Importance of Being a Dad: Segment 3
          • A Father's Influence
        • 2014 Summer Season >
          • Living Education: The Importance and Impact of Parental Engagement >
            • Dr. Mavis Sanders Would You Support a District-Level Office for Family Engagement?
            • Jean Tracy Tells Why Parental Engagement Matters
          • Local Educational Views >
            • Prince George's County Maryland Educational Views (Part 1) >
              • This Week's Parents and PGCPS EduSocial Network Educational View: Aisha Braveboy
              • This Week's Parents and PGCPS EduSocial Network Educational View: “Educating All Our Children For the 21st Century”
              • This Week's Educational View: The Importance of After School Programs
              • This Week's Parents and PGCPS Educational View: “3 Steps to Prepare Your Child for High School and Beyond”
              • This Week's Parents and PGCPS Educational View
            • Prince George's County Maryland Educational Views (Part 2) >
              • This Week's Parents and PGCPS EduSocial Network Educational View Direction of Prince George's County Schools
              • This Week's Parents and PGCPS EduSocial Network Educational View: Access to Higher Education and Beyond: What You Can Do Now
              • This Week's Parents and PGCPS EduSocial Educational View: The Elephant in the Room
              • This Week's Parents and PGCPS: Educational View: The Often Uneasy Relationship Between Teachers and Parents
              • This Week's Educational View: Educational Choices and Consquences
  • PARENTAL ENGAGEMENT
    • Why Fathers Play an Important Role in the Education of Their Children
    • Fathers and Education
    • Parents and Student Behavior >
      • Lee-Ann Stephens, Ed.D.
      • Natalie Mangrum
      • Andrea Peoples Marwah, Ed.D.
      • Aaron Griffen, Ph.D.
      • Liv Finne, Esq.
      • Nekeshia Hammond, Psy.D.
    • Grading Parents/Families
    • What is Your Definition of Parental/Family Engagement? >
      • iBrief: What Should Schools Do To Increase Parental Engagement?
      • Classroom Observations Increase Parental Engagement
      • Mentoring: Benefit To Everyone
    • Parent Talk Live Radio >
      • ClassDojo A Great Tool for Building School-to-Home Communications
      • Navigating the Prince George's County Public School System Felicia Meadows
      • The Importance of Community Activism with Public Schools
      • Working Through Technical Issues While Learning Remotely Sam Kary
      • Educators and Community Activist ​Respond to Questions from Worried Parents Regarding the Reopening of Schools
      • Trauma and Mental Health Challenges for Children Related to COVID-19
      • How Has COVID-19 Changed the Way Childcare Centers Care for Children? Sharon Washington
      • Dr. Marty K. Casey Fighting to Keep Black Children Safe in the City of St. Louis >
        • Unplugged Dr. Marty K. Casey
      • Prince George's Candidates Answer 3 Quick Questions About Education
      • Parents and PGCPS Conversations for the Engaged Parent and Dedicated Educator >
        • Robert Day and Steven Baker The Mission, Vision, and Student Achievement of College Park Academy
        • Jared DMarinis
        • Dr. Monica Goldson Interim CEO >
          • Unplugged Monica Goldson Interim Chief Executive Officer
        • K. Alexander Wallace K. Alexander Wallace Prince George's County Board of Education District 7 ​A Year of Successes and the Challenges to Overcome
        • David Murray Prince George's County Board of Education District 1 The Challenges of Serving on the Board of Education and the Challenges for the New CEO of Schools
        • Unplugged Carolyn Boston
        • Parent and PGCPS Conversations for the Engaged Parent and Dedicated Educator Belinda Queen @BelindaQueen Candidate for Board of Education District 6 Shares Her Vision for Education in Prince George's County >
          • Unplugged Belinda Queen
          • Unplugged ​Belinda Queen
        • Pat Fletcher Candidate for Board of Education District 6 >
          • Unplugged Pat Fletcher
        • Krystal Oriadha Candidate for Prince George's County Council District 7
        • Lynn Jackson Candidate for Maryland Delegate District 27A Part 1 Shares His Views on Education in Prince George's County >
          • Lynn Jackson Candidate for Maryland Delegate District 27A Part 2 Shares His Views on Education in Prince George's County
        • Arun Puracken Candidate for Board of Education District 9
        • Catherine Bennett Nwosu Questions from the Parents and PGCPS EduSocial Network
        • Edward Burroughs, III and Raaheela Ahmed Share Their Views on the State of Education in Prince George's County
        • David Jeffery Grogan Candidate for Sheriff Prince George's County Part 2
        • David Jeffery Grogan Candidate for Sheriff Prince George's County Part 1
        • Joseline Peña-Melnyk
        • Theresa Mitchell Dudley
        • Rob Anthony
        • Walter R. Kirkland
        • Keisha Chase
        • Lori Morrow
        • Catherine Nwosu
        • Wala Blegay
        • Elliott M. Reed
        • Judy Mickens-Murray
        • Arthur Cutler
        • Tommi Makila
      • Parent Talk Live ​Lily P. Rowe Baltimore County Public Schools Board of Education School Violence
      • Lily P. Rowe BCPS Board Structure and Appointed Members
      • ​Lily Rowe MOVING COMMUNITIES BEYOND APATHY
      • ​Lily Rowe Avoiding Fiscal Waste and Being Successful Stewards of Public Funds
      • Lily Rowe Student Achievement and State Rank on Standardize Testing and 147-Million Dollar Computer Project
      • ​Lily Rowe Time for Radical Transparency & ​Why She Serves
      • Dr. Stacia Slaughter The Doctoral Journey and It's Challenges While Simultaneously Raising a Child with Autism >
        • UNPLUGGED Dr. Stacia Slaughter
      • Parent Talk Live Dr. A.Katrise Perera ​Creating a Culture for Student Success
      • Parent Talk Live Eddie Dejesus and Dan Blanchard Discuss The Man Up Program
      • Parent Talk Live Raheem Mander​ Comic Book Creator and Graphic Novelist with a Passion for Changing Communities
      • Parent Talk Live Anthony L. Ayers, Sr.​ The Importance of Putting Community Back in Community Policing to Build Trust
      • Parent Talk Live The Harmful and Brutal Effects of Bullying
      • Parent Talk Live: Special Edition Scholar-2-Scholar
      • Parent Talk Live Getting Over Writer's Block and Other Challenges To Writing
      • Juwan Blocker Importance of Advance Placement Testing and Why School Districts Should Pay for Student Testing
      • Forest of the Rain Productions and The University of Charleston School of Pharmacy >
        • Dr. Susan M. Bissett National Prescription Drug Take Back Day ​
        • Parent Talk Live Special Edition Series Managing Chronic Disease & Medication Adherence
        • Parent Talk Live Special Edition: DEA 360 Program ​
        • Parent Talk Live Special Edition Series : Harm Reduction
        • Parent Talk Live Special Edition : Proper Medication Disposal
        • Parent Talk Live Special Edition Series Generation Rx--Prescription Safety Education Partnership with Kanawha County Schools​
        • Parent Talk Live Special Edition Series Safe Medication Use Script Your Future Medication Adherence Challenge
      • Forest of the Rain Productions and The University of Charleston School of Pharmacy The Safe Medication Use Series >
        • Promoting Medication Safety and Prevention Education in Schools ​and the Community
        • Safe Medication Use Medication Adherence and Safety and the Script Your Future Challenge.
        • Safe Medication Use: Harm Reduction.
      • Parent Talk Live An Organization You Need To Know ​TALLOM Foundation Incorporated
      • African American Male Scholars, Researchers, and Educators Discuss The Impact of Urban Blight/Urban Decay on the Academic Success of Students >
        • Dr. Marrix Seymore The Impact of Urban Blight/Urban Decay on the Academic Success of Students
        • Dr. Walter Greason An Historian's View ​The Impact of Urban Blight/Urban Decay on the Academic Success of Community College Students
        • Dr. Mordecai I. Brownlee The Impact of Urban Blight/Urban Decay on the Academic Success of Community College Students
        • Dr. Elliott Heflin ​The Impact of Urban Blight/Urban Decay on the Academic Success of Students
        • Dr. Kyle Randolph Bacon The Impact of Urban Blight/Urban Decay on the Academic Success of Students
      • Parent Talk Live Termination of Prince George's County Public Schools' Head Start Program >
        • Parts 1-4 ​Parent Talk Live Exclusive interview Demetrius Deal >
          • Part 4 ​Parent Talk Live Exclusive interview Demetrius Deal
          • Part 3 ​Parent Talk Live Exclusive interview Demetrius Deal
          • Part 2 ​Parent Talk Live Exclusive interview Demetrius Deal
          • Part 1 Parent Talk Live Exclusive interview Demetrius Deal
        • Parent Talk Live: Dr. Kevin Maxwell, CEO PGCPS Host Tele-Town Hall Meeting to Discuss Student Safety
        • Parent Talk Live Community Activist Rosalind Johnson seeks to repeal HB1107
        • Community Activist Tonya Wingfield New Details Regarding Child Abuse and Neglect of Students and the Prince George's County Head Start Program
        • Parent Talk Live ​Mr.Scott Lucas
        • Former Board of Education Member Judy Mickens-Murray Speaks Out
        • ​2 Questions Former Board of Education member and Community Activist Rosalind Johnson
        • Parent Talk Live Father Breaks His Silence 4-Year Child Allegedly Molested On School Bus
        • Community activist shares her testimonies to save children
        • Parent Talk Live Juwan Blocker Termination of Prince George's County Public Schools' Head Start Program
        • Parent Talk Live Helen Ballard Termination of Prince George's County Public Schools' Head Start Program​
        • Parent Talk Live David Smith Termination of Prince George's County Public Schools' Head Start Program​
        • Parent Talk Live Tonya Wingfield Termination of Prince George's County Public Schools' Head Start Program
        • Parent Talk Live Pat Fletcher Termination of Prince George's County Public Schools' Head Start Program
        • Parent Talk Live K. Alexander Wallace Termination of Prince George's County Public Schools' Head Start Program
        • Parent Talk Live Tommi Makila Termination of Prince George's County Public Schools' Head Start Program ​
        • Parent Talk Live Edward Burroughs Termination of Prince George's County Public Schools' Head Start Program
      • Parent Talk Live Dr. Jennifer Fraser What Should Students Do When Their Teacher or Coach Is The Bully?
      • Parent Talk Live with Brynn Plummer ​ What is the Impact of Body Shaming on Girls,Specifically Girls of Color ​
      • Parent Talk Live Xian Franzinger Barrett ​
      • Parent Talk Live Dr. Katrina R. Sparks The Challenges of Raising a Child with Autism
      • Parent Talk Live Danielle Boose Mom & Me: Building Stronger Relationships
      • ​Parent Talk Live Tommi Makila Why School Board Elections Should Be Nonpartisan
      • Parent Talk Live Rev. James Ray Riley The Death of Mr. Alton Sterling
      • Parent Talk Live Ameer Baraka Candidly Discusses His Struggles with Dyslexia and How it Impacted His Life
      • Parent Talk Live Dr. Jeremy Goss Eliminating Food Insecurity and Deserts in the City of St. Louis
      • Parent Talk Live Suzanne Sibole: When should schools notify parents of a threat to their students?
      • Parent Talk Live: Dr. Nekeshia Hammond Impact of the Orlando Massacre on Families, Children and Communities
      • Parent Talk Live Dr. Brian L. Wright: Education and The Flint Water Crisis
      • Parent Talk Live: Lead Exposure
      • Parent Talk Live Dr. Nekeshia Hammond A Crisis in the Water
      • Parent Talk Live Mike Cobb High Investment Parenting
      • Parent Talk Live Dr. Hadiyah-Nicole Green
      • Parent Talk Live Dr. Nekeshia Hammond Student Violence, Law Enforcement and Mental Health
      • Parent Talk Live: Kathy M Henry A Mother Shares Her Concerns About Race, Violence and Police
      • Parent Talk Live: Ron Ward, Racism, Education and Tamir Rice
      • Parent Talk Live: Dr. Gus T. Ridgel: First of All: The University of Missouri
      • Parent Talk Live: University of Missouri-Columbia Student Protest
      • Parent Talk Live: Integration of Technology in the K-5 Classroom
      • Parent Talk Live: Literacy and Digital Literacy for All Public School Students
      • Parent Talk Live: Rick Allen: Understanding The Facts About Becoming College Walk-On Student Athlete
      • Parent Talk Live: Shawn Anthony Robinson: Education, Black Males and Dyslexia
      • Parent Talk Live: Tuition Free Community College
      • Parent Talk Live: A Breast Cancer Survivor Shares How Faith and Resiliency Supported Her Parental Involvement in the Life of Her Son
    • Parental Engagement >
      • Dr. Shanelle R. Reid: "You Think I Don't Care!"
      • Parental Minimization Is Not An Effective Parental Engagement Strategy
      • Dr. Mike Robinson Talks Parental Engagement
      • Parent Talk Part 1: What is Parental Engagemet
      • Parent Talk Part 2: What is Parental Engagement
      • Parent Talk Part 3: What is Parental Engagement
      • Parent Talk Part 4: What is Parental Engagement
      • Parent Talk Part 5: What is Parental Engagement
      • Parent Talk Part 6: What is Parental Engagement
      • Parent Talk Part 7: What is Parental Engagement
      • Parent Talk Part 8: Should Parents be Blamed for Failed Schools
      • Parent Talk Part 9: The Parent Liaison
      • Parent Brief >
        • Parent Brief ​Anthony Arrington
        • Parent Brief Dannine Johnson Being an Advocate and School Board Challenges
        • Parent Brief: Preparing For The Decision: Ferguson Fight for with Dr. Marva Robinson
        • Parent Brief: Angel Sessions: How Education Supported Your Growth as an Urban Gospel Artist
        • Parent Brief: Danielle M. McFadden and Cary M. Jones: The Fight For Justice
        • Parent Brief: Mike Cobb: 21st Century Innovation in Schools
        • Parent Brief: Antavia Hamilton-Ochs: Project Running Out of Time
      • Parent Talk Part 10: The Parent Voice
    • The Yard: College Life >
      • The Yard: Emily Paige Ferguson: The March for Education
      • The Yard Alumni Share What Makes Kentucky State University So Special? >
        • President Aaron Thompson and Travis Powell, VP and General Counsel
        • Barry Johnson KSU is a Special Place, but it Means Something Different for Everyone
        • ​Shapelle Lilly Pisano My Time at Kentucky State University was Unforgettable and Foundational
        • Katrisha Waldridge Kentucky State University is Defined as Family and Love
        • Aaron T. Terrell Shares His Fondest Memories, Life Changing Experiences and Friendships From Kentucky State University
        • Oscar Hawthorne How Kentucky State University Served as a Platform for Success and the Need for Effective Fiscal Leadership for KSU
        • Tish Norman How the Iron of Kentucky State University Sharpened Her for Success
        • Tish Norman Why She is Seeking to Become the Next Vice President Kentucky State University National Alumni Association
        • KSU Alumni We Need To Talk
        • Djuan Barnes Kentucky State University Certified, Inspirational, and Narrative Changer
        • Shawnda H. Parker How Kentucky State University Developed a Difference Maker
        • The Yard Dr. Elie Bracy III Kentucky State University a Special Place to Grow and Become a Leader
        • THE YARD Chandee Felder Shares Why She Believes She is a Whistleblower
        • THE YARD Resiliency is the Common Ingredient in a Kentucky State University Student
        • The Yard Austin Horn Reporting on the State of Kentucky State University >
          • UNPLUGGED Austin Horn Responds to Questions from Kentucky State University Alumnus James Jenks
          • UNPLUGGED Austin Horn Responds to Questions from Kentucky State University Alumnus Charles Maupin
          • UNPLUGGED Austin Horn The State Journal and Coverage of KSU
        • The Yard Dr. Aaron Thompson State of the Hill
        • The Yard Richard Graves 3
        • The Yard BCSN A.D. Drew
        • The Yard Eric "Impact" York Shares His Memories of KSU Football, Becoming a Hall of Famer, and Life on the Yard
        • The Yard Dr. Josha L. Talison
        • The Yard Dr. M. Christopher Brown, II President, Kentucky State University and His Leadership Team >
          • UNPLUGGED The Yard AD Etienne M. Thomas
          • The Yard Dr. M. Christopher Brown, II Talks Commitment To Engaging Alumni Via The Yard!
          • The Yard Dr. M. Christopher Brown, II President, Kentucky State University Leadership Team
          • The Yard Dr. M. Christopher Brown, IPresident, Kentucky State University African American Faculty and Kentucky State University
          • The Yard Dr. M. Christopher Brown President, Kentucky State University Shares His Perception of Alumni Engagement
          • The Yard Dr. M. Christopher Brown, II Etienne M. Thomas Athletic Director The Future of Kentucky State University Football and Other Athletic Programs
          • The Yard Dr. M. Christopher Brown, IPresident, Kentucky State University Fundraising and Indicators ​Kentucky State University has Improved Under His Leadership
          • The Yard Dr. M. Christopher Brown, II President, Kentucky State University ​ Talks About Allegations of Sexual Harassment
          • The Yard Dr. M. Christopher Brown, II President, Kentucky State University Talks Vision, Funding, Branding, and Culture Kentucky State University
          • The Yard Dr. M. Christopher Brown, II President, Kentucky State University Program Excellence ​
          • The Yard Dr. M. Christopher Brown, II President, Kentucky State University Welcoming, Molding Alumni and Midnight Star
          • The Yard Dr. M. Christopher Brown, II President, Kentucky State University ​ Shuttering of Voices and Discourse
          • The Yard Dr. Michael A. Robinson and Dr. Shanna L. Smith Express What Kentucky State University Means To Them
        • The Yard Monique Funderburk
        • The Yard Renee Patrice Gilliam Grace, Class, and Linkage to our Past
        • The Yard Basketball Great Alfred Smith
        • The Yard Richard Graves >
          • The Yard: Unplugged with Richard Graves
          • Unplugged Mr. Richard Graves Homecoming and Pledging ​
        • The Yard Dr. Vernell Bennett
        • The Yard: The Women of Kentucky State University
        • The Yard: Byron Costner
        • The Yard: Kevin Cooke
        • The Yard: John Mitchell
        • The Yard: James Jenkins
    • National Men Make A Difference Day For Academic Success >
      • Hello Mr. Carmen Garner “Why Are You Active in the Academic Life of Your Child?”
      • What's Up Mr. Eric "Diggah" Hall “Why Are You Active in the Academic Life of Your Child?”

6 Simple Ways You Can Stress While Applying to College or Grad School By Ethel Lair

2/22/2023

0 Comments

 
PictureImage via Pexels
Applying to college or graduate school is a stressful process, no doubt about it. But with adequate preparation and knowledge, you can make the experience more manageable. Here, Forest Of The Rain Productions discusses strategies for reducing stress and making your application process easier.

Preparing for tests early

Preparing for college and graduate school applications can feel like a lot of pressure, especially when it comes to taking the SAT or GRE. But don't let stress get the best of you. Start studying for these exams as soon as possible, giving yourself plenty of time to do so, and use practice tests to make sure you truly understand the material. Taking proactive steps will give you a boost in confidence on test day, reducing much of your anxiety about this part of the process. With pre-test preparation, you'll be ready for exam day success.

Getting your resume ready

There are ways and tools to make the process of applying to college or grad school easier. Resourceful students should take advantage of helpful templates and tools available online to create an effective resume tailored to their field of study. This may help you craft a resume that is concise and comprehensive, allowing you to direct your energy away from administrative work and toward more substantive tasks like writing essays or researching scholarships. With the work done on crafting a graduate-level resume, you will be one step closer to achieving your academic goals.

Selling yourself

The college and graduate school application process can be overwhelming, but there are simple strategies you can use to stand out and ensure you have a successful application. One way to do so is to include relevant activities and certifications that demonstrate your dedication, leadership, and ambition. It could be as simple as getting an internship or volunteering with a non-profit organization in your spare time, or taking advantage of any educational certifications to stay ahead of the curve. For the more entrepreneurial-minded, you could even consider starting a business venture. All these activities will not only show admissions officers how serious you are about pursuing higher education but also give them a better understanding of who you are as an applicant. It's a win-win! So don't forget: When developing your application, those relevant activities and certifications can make all the difference.

Organizing your documents

Digitizing important documents is no longer just a convenience; it has become essential in today's world. This streamlines the process if you need to submit documents digitally. Convert your documents or images to PDF format as soon as possible so that all of your vital application materials are ready for review. This will help you avoid last-minute scrambles and miscommunications with admissions officers. Moreover, you can use a PDF editor to easily make changes instead of having to print everything out again and revise multiple times. Digitizing documents and using a PDF editor to make changes is a simple but effective approach for calming some of the inevitable nerves that come with this kind of major life decision.

Taking time to reduce stress

During the college and graduate school application process, you may experience high levels of stress. However, there are some simple strategies for reducing and managing that stress. Taking time for yourself by doing activities that you enjoy, breaking up your goals into achievable tasks, connecting with supportive people who understand what you’re going through, and prioritizing tasks to focus on the most important ones can all make a significant difference in how you handle the pressure of applying. With the right self-care techniques, you will find that seeking education doesn’t have to be a source of anxiety and, instead, something that brings excitement to your life.

Eating healthy
​
Taking care of yourself is essential to staying focused and stress-free! Eating a healthy snack like nuts, fruits, veggies, or hummus throughout the day will give you the energy you need to stay motivated as you work on essays and other requirements. It's important to have nutritious options on hand so that you don't resort to unhealthy snacks when feeling overwhelmed. Making it a priority to nourish your body with wholesome treats will go a long way in helping you feel confident and energized as you make your way through the application process.
 
Applying for college or grad school is no small feat, but with planning and early preparation, it doesn’t have to be overwhelmingly stressful either. So study ahead of exams, look into enhancing your resume, eat healthy snacks, take breaks, and organize important documents efficiently — you won’t have to be afraid to take on the challenge of college or grad school applications.



0 Comments

Five Tips for Families to Encourage Children Reading (Marques Stewart @Mstewart_2u)

1/23/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture@Mstewart_2u
Mr. Marques Stewart, Executive Director of Elementary Schools in Kansas City, KS. offers five tips to parents that will encourage children to read.

​1. Children should read for at least 20 minutes daily while at home.
2. Have students to discuss what they’ve read with a parent or guardian.
3. Have students to write or draw about what they’ve read.
4. Build an in home library collection.
5. Take your child to the local library to get a library card.  


​

0 Comments

A Guide to Business Ownership for Persons With Disabilities by Patrick Young

1/11/2023

0 Comments

 
PicturePhoto via Pexels
Many people are finding that working the traditional nine-to-five day isn’t a great fit. In fact, traditional workspaces can be very accommodating. Luckily, the pandemic has made more employers realize the benefits of working from home, which opens up more possibilities for many people, including those with disabilities. However, you can use the same practices that are now becoming commonplace in the work world to create and support your own business.
 
Decide on the Business that’s Right for You
 
Thanks to the prevalence of the internet and the increase in accessible tools, the type of business you start should be driven by your interests. What are your existing talents and resources? What do you enjoy? For example, if you're a great writer, you might enjoy blogging or becoming a content writer. If you're active on social media, managing social accounts for brands could be a job for you.
 
Depending on your disability, working from home might work to your advantage. You can set up your space to fit your specific needs and desires. If mobility or transportation are a challenge, take advantage of the growing number of online jobs available. There are a wide range of options, from an online personal trainer to a data entry specialist or subscription box creator. And if you don’t see the job you’re most interested in posted, then create it yourself!
 
Set Up the Business
 
When starting a new company, you’ll need to sketch out the details in a business plan. This document provides a comprehensive overview of your business and how it's run, covering everything from product and service descriptions to financial projections. It will serve as the go-to guide for your entrepreneurial endeavor going forward. In the future, you may also need a business plan to get funding for your company.
 
You’ll also need to choose a business structure. There are several options, but a limited liability company (LLC) is the most common. It is easy to file, relatively inexpensive, and it provides liability protection. Look at the different business structures before settling on one though, and then find out what state-specific paperwork you need to file.
 
Determine Costs and Get Funding
 
Starting a business is exciting. However, it can also be expensive! Even if you go with a low-investment business model, like providing a service instead of a product, you'll still want some tools and technology to get things off the ground. Make a list of all the necessary requirements you will need to get things up and running. Be sure to include computers, phones, software, inventory, and any accessibility aids you will require. Then, use your list to calculate your startup costs. You can then get the funding you need. Note that most states have assistive technology centers available to their residents.
 
Now that you know what your startup costs are, it’s time to fundraise. There are plenty of traditional funding sources, which  include angel investors, bank loans, and crowdfunding platforms. You’ll want to check your credit report before applying for loans or soliciting investors. This score tells potential lenders how you are with money, which implies the likelihood that you’ll repay their loan. If your score is low, you are less likely to get approval. Another option is that you might qualify for some specialized grants. Look into state-specific options, too. Many lenders and government agencies are encouraging minority members to start their own businesses, so now is a great time to see what’s available.
 
Set Up Your Website
 
Your website will be the cornerstone of your business. It's like a digital business card. It provides people with essential information about your products, services, and credentials. Invest in a user-friendly website that's aesthetically appealing and clearly represents your business. It should have a clear menu navigation, compelling visuals, and all the must-have information about your brand. And as someone with a disability, you might want to lead the way with optimized accessibility considerations. Work with a professional to ensure your site is accessible to anyone who views it.
 
It’s also important to make sure that your website is easy to find via search engines. This is where search engine optimization (SEO) comes into play. SEO is the collection of practices that go into your website’s design, structure, and content that raise its likelihood of being ranked highly in search engine results. You can learn more here about all the nuances of SEO. Don’t worry if it seems like a lot. Every little bit you can do helps your results.
 
Invest in Technology
 
Nowadays there are technological solutions for just about every business issue that exists. That extends both to solutions that support accommodation for disabilities as well as industry-specific solutions. If you own an HVAC business, for example, there are billing solutions out there tailored to the needs of your industry. Purchasing invoicing software for HVAC jobs can make a huge difference in your turnaround time on jobs. You can submit invoices that are more accurate and do so faster than generic accounting software. This means you’ll get paid faster and can take on more projects.
 
Market Your Business
 
Marketing is essential to growing your business. It's how you boost your brand and attract new customers.That doesn't mean you have to spend big bucks on a fancy marketing agency. Digital marketing techniques are affordable and easy to implement. Examples include content marketing and social media. As your business grows, you can start investing in pricier marketing like online ads.
 
However, be mindful of accessibility when creating your marketing. As you are likely aware, color, layout, and phrasing for voice to text and language translation all impact the accessibility of your marketing. You will also want to lean on PDFs because of their accessibility features, and provide accurate closed captioning for any videos. If you are skilled in these areas, put them into play in your marketing and website. But if your knowledge exceeds your skills, find a marketing agency that specializes in accessibility to ensure your content is accessible to all.
 
While investing in digital marketing is critical, don’t neglect more traditional forms of marketing. For example, a business card with your contact info gives potential customers something tangible to remember you by. You can create business cards inexpensively by using an online business card maker. You can also work with a company that offers braille on their business cards.
 
Make Strategic Connections
 
Business networking is essential to any entrepreneur's success. Look for events in your area geared towards local business owners through your local chamber of commerce. You can also search for industry-specific events relevant to your field. The great news is that there are more events than ever before that are offered online, which opens up a wealth of opportunities. This is a great way to meet business owners as well as potential business partners or investors.
 
As you start networking with other people in your business sphere, keep an eye out for a potential mentor. This is a person who is usually more advanced in their career. They can provide valuable guidance as your business grows and also serve as a contact for potential employees, business partners, and investors.
 
Know Your Limits
 
As your business grows and you find greater success, you might consider scaling up. Sit down with your team - if you have one - and plan any growth initiatives carefully. For example, do you have the inventory you need to grow? What about the staff or the physical space? When scaling up, write out a comprehensive plan, similar to when you first founded your business. Assessing your current goals and then mapping out your growth goals will improve your odds of success, ensuring the money you invest in scaling up is well spent. You want to grow, but it’s important to be strategic and know your limits.
 
As a business owner, it's easy to get sucked into "hustle culture." While it's great to love what you do and pursue it passionately, it's important to care for yourself. Plan regular breaks in your workday and engage in relaxing activities like some time outdoors or meditation. Just as importantly, make sure you take vacations where you step away from the office completely. If you see symptoms of entrepreneurial burnout like apathy or fatigue, hit pause.
 
Begin Your Entrepreneurial Dream
 
Are you ready to begin your entrepreneurial journey? There's no time like the present to start. As a person with a disability, you understand what other disabled customers need and want. Use that to your advantage in terms of services offered and accessible features on your marketing platforms. Choose what will make you happy and enjoy the benefits of entrepreneurship.

Patrick Young is an educator and activist. He believes people with disabilities must live within a unique set of circumstances--the outside world often either underestimates them or ignores their needs altogether. He created Able USA to offer helpful resources to people with disabilities and to provide advice on navigating various aspects of life as a person with disabilities.

To learn more about Able USA please us online today!



0 Comments

The job market can be tough for people with disabilities by Patrick Young

12/31/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
The job market can be tough for people with disabilities, so it’s no surprise that they’re more likely to start their own businesses than people without disabilities. And with the growing sharing economy, there truly are a lot of great entrepreneurial opportunities available for people with disabilities. I want to encourage those with entrepreneurial aspirations to go after their dreams of owning a business.

0 Comments

Dennis Bonnen Gives 6 Tips On Choosing Your Major

12/8/2022

0 Comments

 
​It's no secret that college can be expensive. With tuition rates rising yearly, more and more students are burdened with student loan debt. So it's essential to make the right decision when choosing a major. Here are six tips from Dennis Bonnen on selecting the right major.

Do Your Research
When making important decisions, doing your research is always a good idea. Whether you are choosing a new car or a new school, learning about your options can help you make the best possible choice. When considering your options, asking questions and getting as much information as possible is essential. 
 
Once you have gathered all the facts, you can weigh each option's pros and cons and make a decision based on what is best for you. In many cases, doing research can mean the difference between making good and bad decisions. So next time you are faced with an important choice, be sure to take the time to do your research.

Consider Your Interests
When looking for a new job, it is crucial to consider your interests. What are you passionate about? What do you enjoy doing? Answering these questions can help you narrow down your job search and find a position that is a good fit for you. For example, if you are interested in fashion, consider working in marketing for a clothing store or as a retail buyer. If you enjoy working with children, you could look into jobs in early childhood education or become a nanny. Taking the time to think about your interests can help you find a job that is both satisfying and rewarding.

Talk To Others In The Field
When exploring a new career field, it's important to talk to others working there. They can provide valuable insights into day-to-day work, the most critical skills and knowledge, and what kind of advancement opportunities are available. This can be especially helpful if you're considering making a mid-career switch. Many people find that they enjoy their work more and are better able to advance their careers when they make a deliberate effort to network with others in their field. So if you're thinking about changing careers, be sure to reach out to your professional network and ask for advice from those already doing the work you're interested in.

Consider Your Career Goals
It can be easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind of work and forget to step back and ask yourself what you want from your career. But taking the time to reflect on your goals is essential to ensuring that you're on the right track. Are you looking for a job that will challenge and help you grow? Or are you more interested in finding a role that offers a good work/life balance? 
 
Once you know what you're looking for, you can start looking for opportunities to help you achieve your goals. And if you're unsure what you want, that's okay, too. Sometimes the best way to figure it out is to explore different options and see where they take you. So don't be afraid to try something new – it might be precisely what you've been looking for.

Weigh The Pros And Cons 
Undecided on a major? Weighing the pros and cons of each can help you make a decision. For instance, if you're interested in business, consider whether you want to specialize in accounting, finance, or marketing. If you're interested in science, you should decide whether to pursue a career in research or medicine. Specializing in a specific field can make you more attractive to potential employers, but it may also make your degree more expensive and time-consuming.
 
On the other hand, if you choose a more general major, you may have more flexibility after graduation but fewer job prospects. Ultimately, the best way to choose a major is to consider your interests, skills, and goals. Once you've done your research, you'll be able to make an informed decision that's right for you.

Make A Decision That's Right For You 
It's essential to make decisions that are right for you. But how do you know what the right decision is? And how can you be sure you won't regret your choice later on? There are a few things to remember that will help you make the best decision.
 
First, think about your goals and what you want to achieve. What kind of life do you want to lead? What kind of person do you want to be? Your decision should help you move closer to your goals. Second, consider your values. What's important to you? What do you believe in? Your decision should align with your values.
 
Third, think about the consequences of your choice. What are the potential risks and rewards? Weigh them out carefully to see which option is best for you. Fourth, listen to your intuition. Trust your gut feeling - it's often right. Making a decision can be tricky, but if you keep these things in mind, you'll be able to make the best choice for you
.

Final Thoughts 
No matter what career path you choose, Dennis Bonnen reminds you to take the time to do your research and make sure that you're making an informed decision. Take the time to learn about different fields, talk to people who work in them, and weigh the pros and cons of each option. By taking the time to think through your options carefully, you can ensure that you make a decision that's right for you.
0 Comments

I AM DISAPPOINTED IN DEION SANDERS AKA PRIME TIME Dr. Henry M. Carter ​@HenryMCarter06

12/6/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture @HenryMCarter06
At what point do black people make enough money and receive enough recognition when they decide to think of what is in the best interest of our people? 

Deion Sanders didn’t need the money or the recognition. Deion Sanders’ net worth in 2022 is $40 million. He has made enough money to commit to assisting in turning the balance of power in favor of HBCUs. 

Deion Sanders had the opportunity to be the stimulus that could have created a paradigm shift in how black and white people view HBCUs. If the best and brightest black athletes went to black colleges, our stadiums would be filled with white people like we fill their stadiums to watch our best and brightest athletes. I was elated at how his success at JSU could have inspired other NFL stars to go to the HBCUs and inspire black athletes to come to HBCUs.

Being a coach at Jackson State University positively impacted how top-tier black athletes saw Historical Black Colleges and Universities. It could have created an exodus of black athletes from predominantly white institutions who have made billions for the endowment off their talents. 

They put the carrot on the stick, and he followed it right out the door. They ( the PWIs Athletic Collegiate Mafia) offered him the position to stop the possibility of losing the best and brightest black athletes. They will give him pennies while they earn dollars for their endowments. Only a few black stars are willing to think beyond themselves. Most are self-centered. Deion Sanders is just like the self-centered stars that came before him.

Because Deion Sanders coached at JSU, black college pride increased. HBCUs began to see an uptick in enrollment. Pride by black people to wear the paraphernalia of black colleges increased. We haven’t had this momentum since Different World and the Cosby Show. Unfortunately, so many can’t see the bigger picture. I can’t see that Deion Sanders’s success at JSU was a threat to PWIs. They couldn’t afford for the pride of going to an HBCU to become contagious.

We need champions that would inspire increased enrollment in HBCUs. Our institutions are suffering financially, and any momentum that generates interest will position them for financial stability. We live in a ME society. Get mine, and you get your mindset. If the best and brightest black athletes and entertainers don’t continue to strengthen the foundation on which we stand, we doom future generations to be victims of arrested development. 

Deion Sanders used JSU to position himself in the Prime Time spotlight again. I GUESS THAT IS WHY HE IS CALLED PRIME TIME.


~ Dr.Henry M Carter ​

0 Comments

Leaving a Legacy or Chasing the Bag: Coach Prime Versus Collective Investment Dr. Rashid Faisal @BowtiePrincipal

12/6/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture @BowtiePrincipal
I am not disappointed nor surprised by Deion Sanders’s decision to leave the bright lights of Jackson State University—bright lights that he created—for the brighter lights of the “Power 5”—brighter lights created by the mass exodus of Black athletes from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to predominantly white colleges and universities that once rejected them as both students and student-athletes. 

The “Power 5” conferences—the Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12, SEC, and ACC—are what college football fans think of when they hear “college football.” The major broadcast and sports networks exclusively feature matchups between these schools, and all schools within these conferences are guaranteed selection for one of the college bowl games at the end of the season. And the money generated by this arrangement between the “Power 5”, the media, sports networks, and the College Football Playoff selection committee is why head coaches from these teams make more than college presidents, many of whom are millionaires.  In other words, college football is “Big Business.” And “Big Business” is always “prime” for a coach like Deion Sanders, once known as “Prime Time” for his over-the-top persona as a two-sport star in baseball and football, but now known as “Coach Prime” for how he successfully leveraged his bold and brash personality and coaching style— and to put tiny Jackson State University on the map.  

Let us be honest. Jackson State University provided “Coach Prime” an opportunity to coach. Still, no one could have predicted he would be so successful in three years—of course, attracting 3-, 4-, and 5-star athletes who are normally recruited by “Power 5” schools to play for JSU certainly contributed to 27-5 record, first-ever College Game Day, JSU’s first every perfect record, back-to-back SWAC Championships. One can argue that in his short tenure, he earned the right of being “SWAC”—although SWAC loyalist, whether out of jealousy or from a genuine belief that “Coach Prime” was more “snake oil salesman” with more interest in elevating himself than in elevating HBCU football or promoting SWAC. 

Whether we view him as a charlatan selling his brand of “Black nationalism” and “racial uplift,”—he definitely sold me on his desire to restore athletic legitimacy to HBCU sports by attracting better athletes, advocating for better facilities for the players (which included putting the name of the player on the back of the uniform), and, most significantly, campaigning for HBCUs to gain access to the same broadcasting, sports networks, and season-ending college bowls as the “Power 5” schools. He was a marketing genius in this sense. And I believe Black college football benefited from his Tiger Nation and Jackson, Mississippi, from “Coach Prime.” He not only elevated JSU; he elevated the status of HBCU football. 

He brought national coverage to HBCUs, HBCU football, and all the “Black history and culture” connected to these invaluable institutions, including Black scholastic excellence, Black marching bands, Black Greek-letter fraternities, and sororities, Black music, Black tailgating, Black language and dance, and Black love—Coach Prime helped to showcase the beauty and excellence of Black college football and the HBCU experience. He also brought revenue to JSU, the City of Jackson, to the SWAC, including television deals—check the ratings for HBCU football. And remember, he donated half his $300,000 per year salary back to JSU to improve the football facilities. Not sure how many of us are willing to donate half of our salary back to our employer for much-needed upgrades. 

Now, did Coach Prime transform HBCU football? I would say no. He changed HBCU football at JSU. And to expect him to be solely responsible for closing the gap between HBCUs and the Power 5 is unrealistic, no matter what he promised! We must admit that we fall for the “savior” rhetoric that has crippled the Black community from being able to take collective action to “save” the institutions that we clamor we love so much without contributing to them financially.

If we crucify Coach Prime for leaving JSU, we must also crucify ourselves—Black HBCU alum and Black non-HBCU graduates for not being more intentional in supporting Black institutions with our time, talent, and resources. I guess we like to watch others sacrifice while we are free to “chase the bag” or pursue opportunities that further our own interests, desires, needs, status, financial goals, etc. Keep in mind “Coach Prime” is taking over a 1-11 Colorado football team—outside of being a “Power 5” coach and earning 5.9 million per year, most would not see this as an upgrade in terms of winning, but in terms of “winnings,” Coach Prime is “winning.” But Coach Prime being “Coach Prime” is taking some of his 3-, 4-, and 5-star players with him to ensure that the Colorado cupboard will not remain empty for long. From what I heard, “Coach Prime” has already made a “media impact” at his first players meeting with the Colorado football team. 

He is reported as saying the following during the team’s first meeting: “I’m comin. My quarterback is coming. That position is already set. I’m bringing about ten more players from Jackson State, and they all DAWGS! They gone hunt, and they gone EAT! I promise you that losing is OVER at Colorado!” Just what the sports broadcasters and networks want to hear! 

When you combine taking his best JSU players with him and then raiding the transfer portal—4- and 5-star recruits are already lining up to play for 1-11 Colorado team—Coach Prime is positioning himself to attempt to duplicate the success he experienced a JSU—only this time with better facilities (his team will practice and play in a $156 million dollar facility), even better athletes—and more NIL money to attract these athletes—and with the sports media and sports networks salivating at the opportunity to showcase the resurgence of Colorado football! Coach Prime will replace the JSU motto, “I Believe,” with a new “I’m Comin” or “We Comin” motto for his revamped Colorado Buffaloes. 

Better-resourced institutions will always attract the best athletic talent. Coach Prime was great for JSU. He was great “for the culture.” But Coach Prime never committed himself to a lifetime of coaching at an HBCU.   I recall an interview where he made it clear that he was not interested in coaching in the NFL but that he would “entertain” offers from Power 5 schools. 

Am I mad at him for doing what he said he would do? Not. Am I disappointed? No. Am I surprised? Not at all. Then what gives? The “Black Savior Complex.” Can we shift our thinking from waiting on a “Savior” to “Save us” to strategic planning to attract resources and more significant investments in HBCU programming and personnel, including but not limited to athletics? One person leaving the HBCU system—no matter how great the individual’s profile—should not cause the type of uproar and backlash we are witnessing with Coach Prime. A collective investment is more fruitful and sustainable than putting our trust in a “Savior”—history has proven that this approach will lead us to cross a bridge that leads nowhere. 

Wish Coach Prime well and start writing that monthly or yearly check to an HBCU program you are committed to supporting. 

0 Comments

Stress Abounds: What Can We Do to Help Youth? Karen Gross @KarenGrossEdu

10/4/2022

2 Comments

 
Picture@KarenGrossEdu
I want to share two strategies (hands-on strategies) that I recently used at More than Words, an amazing non-profit organization located in Boston and Waltham, Massachusetts, which works to enable youth success. While the strategies played out differently with different groups and not all groups did all the activities, I think teachers and organizations (yes workplaces too) can use variations of these strategies to enable their students/participants/workers to de-stress and to regain some sense of balance in a world that is filled with many reasons for disquiet. They can even be used in families. Communities too!
​

Two Strategies:

Connection: We know that when trauma occurs, we disconnect, although our brains are wired for connection. So, any activity that can restore connection has real value. Due to our brain’s remarkable plasticity, we can develop new neural connection pathways. Absent connection, it is hard to trust and to learn and to engage, all key things needed to learn and work and get along with others.

There is no single successful “connection” strategy for all situations but here is one. Everyone gets some jumbo paperclips. The recipients are asked to link the paperclips together. This is easier for some than others. For some, the clips just connect; for others, it is a slower, more deliberate process. Just this phase of the activity is helpful. We are actually doing connection ourselves to build connection. The every act of linking the clips promotes connection. We feel more connected when we connect things.

Then, the group is advised to find ways to connect their paperclip chains with those of others. They can do this in small groups or in one large group. They can use the floor or the walls. They can connect themselves; they can connect furniture; they can create a circle around themselves. At More than Words, one group connected all the paperclips and created a massive heart on the floor. Another group wrapped a column with paperclips and to the best of my knowledge, that connected chain is still there, days after it was created. It looks amazing and just seeing it is a reminder of connection’s value.


Empathy Engines: Another activity, counterintuitive in many senses and not always workable, involves activating one’s mirror neurons, one’s empathy engines. In short, the idea is that if one is struggling and helps someone else, the benefit the person being helped redounds to the benefit of the giver. In other words, we benefit when we help others; it makes us feel better because they (the recipient) mirror their good feelings onto us. Now obviously, if one is deeply distressed (as in being the victim of a massive home fire), that is not the moment to help others.

But, consider the value of sending something or creating something messaging hope and care to those in need. In the More than Words context, Hurricane Ian had just turned its furor on Florida and I gave the youth a metal half-circle frame and said: Make something that we can photograph and make available to those in Florida. Put on sayings, put on words of home, put on feathers. Create home.

What follows is what they created and by its publication in this blog (which goes to almost 100,000 people, I hope those in Florida and other affected regions can see the art created to help them recover. And, for the students, just thinking up phrases of hope — even as they struggle — was powerful. And, some seemed to take the suggestions they were giving to others for themselves as well. They were double mirroring — helping others to help themselves and the act of helping enabled them to absorb the messages of hope.

If you enlarge the image above, you can see some of the handwritten messages. And, while this sits on the floor for a photograph, it is perched on a shelf to message to those in need.

These two strategies, employed in different ways, are not a cure-all for the stress and trauma that permeates our world. But, they will help. For the record, because of a recent personal sadness I was experiencing, I delivered food packets (dinners) to many friends across town over the past several days. In truth, it worked to help me because so many people enjoyed the meal and experienced happiness. In other words, these emapthy activities can take many forms.

Try One or More of Them
​

Helping reduce stress and move the needle of improved mental wellness even several degrees is beneficial. So, try some of these approaches and share the results; we all would benefit from seeing stress relief in action. Add them as comments or separate blogs. There is enough stress to go around; the more strategies, the better we will all be.
Post Script: A Special Thank-You to the remarkable youth and staff at More than Words. You inspire me.

​


Karen GrossAuthor, Educator & Commentator; Former President, Southern Vermont College; Former Senior Policy Advisor, US Dept. of Education; Former Law Professor

2 Comments

2022-2023 Welcome Back to School Words of Encouragement From  LaMarcus J. Hall @LaMarcusJSpeaks

8/31/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture@LaMarcusJSpeaks
Finish your at your own pace and time. You are responsible for your happiness, first. See it through until the end.

0 Comments

8 Steps to Outlining Your Professional Development Plan by Ethel Lair

8/31/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
When you think about the future of your career, where do you see yourself? Maybe you want to move up the ranks at your current organization, or perhaps you’d like to launch your own business one day.
 
No matter your vision, you need to create and follow a concrete plan in order to achieve it. Joining a professional organization like Forest of the Rain Productions can help you accomplish your goals! Here’s how to nail down your professional goals, analyze the steps you’ll need to take to achieve them and turn it all into a comprehensive plan for your career.
 
Determine Your Goals
Before you create a professional development plan, you’ll need to hone in on your personal career goals. Think about where you would like to be next year at this time or five to ten years from now. Be honest with yourself, and don’t be afraid to dream big!
 
Break Down Objectives
You’ve written down a few goals, and now, it’s time to get specific. Handshake recommends breaking down your goals by using the acronym SMART: specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely. Identify how you’ll measure your progress towards each goal - this could mean job titles, contributing to specific projects, or salary increases. This will help you stay motivated and easily track your progress.
 
Create a Timeline
Once you’ve broken down your important goals into measurable objectives, you can create a timeline for your professional development plan. Consider when you want to achieve these objectives. For example, do you want to earn a $10,000 salary increase by next year? Do you want to be promoted to a management position two years from now? Would you like to launch your own business within the next five years? Giving yourself deadlines will help you stay committed to your goals.
 
Seek Out Internal Opportunities
Even if one of your goals involves leaving your current company, you can learn a lot on the job! If you want to be trusted with more opportunities at work, Fast Company recommends talking to your manager about certain projects that you’d like to work on. Taking initiative and being proactive will leave a good impression on your supervisor.
 
Enroll in an Online Course
If you want to change careers entirely, you may need to enroll in a degree program or earn a specific professional certification. But what if you want to deepen your knowledge of your field so that you can advance on your current career trajectory?
 
For instance, maybe you’ve started taking on project management responsibilities, and you’re getting the hang of Scrum principles for team management and collaboration. If you’re hoping to get promoted or land a better job at a different company, you may want to register for the best course for advanced Scrum master training online. When you’ve finished the coursework, you’ll take a final evaluation to assess your new skills.
 
Join Professional Associations
Would you like to network with leaders in your field, get access to exciting job opportunities early on, and find a mentor who can help you achieve your goals? Consider joining a professional association for all of these perks and more! You might want to join a local professional association that is based in your city, or you could sign up for a national association that hosts events and conferences all over the country.
 
Try Volunteering
Volunteering can be a great way to learn new skills, network, and make a positive impact on your community. Consider which skills you need to master in order to achieve your major goals, and seek out local volunteer opportunities that will allow you to learn them.
 
You could also consider offering your services on a freelance basis. If you work in a creative field but you’re struggling to demonstrate your full range of skills at your job, starting up a freelance side hustle will allow you to build your portfolio and make valuable connections.
 
Update Your Resume
As you continue taking steps towards your career goals, you’ll want to ensure that your accomplishments are reflected on your resume. You can include sections on your resume dedicated to your volunteer experience, new certifications, professional affiliations, and more. If the layout of your old resume looks disorganized, you can search for free online resume templates. Start by looking up a library of professionally designed templates. Once you’ve found one that you like, you can add your own content, photos, and even colorful accents.
 
Figuring out how to get from where you are to where you want to be is challenging. But by thinking ahead and breaking down your goals into smaller objectives, you can gradually make progress in your career path. From linking up with a professional association to enrolling in beneficial courses to polishing up your resume, these tips will help you along the way!
 
Interested in joining a professional development association? Get involved with Forest of the Rain Productions! Fill out the contact form on our website today to get in touch.
 
Photo via Pexels

0 Comments

Garden of Teaching, Paradise of Miracles Back to School Message by  Dr. Rashid Faisal @BowtiePrincipal

8/23/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture@BowtiePrincipal
The start of a new school year is always a wonderful time of the year for me as an educator. I enjoy the thought of learners—young and old—returning to schools across the nation, whether those schools are PreK-12, community colleges, technical schools, trade schools, or four-year baccalaureate universities. These institutions, albeit diverse in mission, varied in vision, and wide ranging in core values, share a common belief in the power of education to transform live lives, lifestyle, and society. The garden of teaching, as I like to all institutions committed to teaching and learning, is a paradise of miracles and wonders that only those who have their inner sight wide open to the importance of teachers may ever recognize. Teachers matter. Students matter. And the relationship between the two—teacher and student—matter most.
​
I am wishing my fellow educators a successful school year. I leave you with one of my favorite poems by one of my favorite educators, Dr. Leslie Pinckney Hill, the first president of America’s first and oldest HBCU, Cheyney University.  
 
The Teacher
Leslie Pinckney Hill - 1880-1960

Lord, who am I to teach the way
To little children day by day,
So prone myself to go astray?
I teach them KNOWLEDGE, but I know
How faint they flicker and how low
The candles of my knowledge glow.
I teach them POWER to will and do,
But only now to learn anew
My own great weakness through and through.
I teach them LOVE for all mankind
And all God’s creatures, but I find
My love comes lagging far behind.
Lord, if their guide I still must be,
Oh let the little children see
The teacher leaning hard on Thee.

From The Book of American Negro Poetry (Harcourt, Brace and Company, 1922) edited by James Weldon Johnson. This poem is in the public domain.

 

Educationally Yours,
Dr. Rashid Faisal
Associate Professor and Department Chair,
Davenport University, College of Urban Education 

0 Comments

2022-2023 Welcome Back to School Words of Encouragement by Dawn L. Miller @dlmconsults

8/23/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture @dlmconsults
​As this year begins, release the excuses that may have set you back; Covid, summer break, lack of parental support. Instead, take hold of the optimism that despite all that could hold you back, you decide to excel. It is this choice that will be the difference between excellence and mediocrity. Choose wisely. Have a fabulous school year!













​Ms. Miller is 
a former elected official, has coordinated the campaign strategy and platform for a successful mayor’s campaign, strategized and advised a city council candidate, planned strategy for a successful slate of African American Democratic female judges, and successfully led the Milwaukee Office for the Democratic gubernatorial candidate. Dawn earned her BA in Spanish, and is fluent in the language, from Morris Brown College, her Masters of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, and is currently completing her Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from Northcentral University. She now serves as an advisor and ghostwriter for several local candidates and is the Founder and Principal Consultant for Dawn L. Miller Consulting and Strategic Management LLC. where she provides organizational and structural guidance to small and moderate size businesses.  


0 Comments

2022-2023 Welcome Back to School Words of Encouragement by Dr. Michael and Dr. LaConti Bryant

8/23/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year! Teachers, we want you to know that you are valued for who you are and the work you engage in every day with students, parents, and your local community. You are true professionals and the real day-to-day heroes in many of our children’s lives. Continue to press forward towards high goals and be your true superstars!

0 Comments

2022-2023 Welcome Back to School Words of Encouragement by Karen Gross @KarenGrossEdu

8/23/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture@KarenGrossEdu
​To all students, educators, and parents/guardians:

A new school year is an opportunity for many "starts." For some students, it is the first time they are attending the particular school where they are now enrolled; perhaps their family moved or perhaps they are transitioning from an elementary school to a middle school or a middle school to a high school. Every school will have new teachers, and many will have new administrators. So, we need to welcome everyone as we start the 2022 -- 2023 school year -- everyone. And, we need to extend kindness to all as change and transitions are hard, and we can and should help each other (regardless of age or gender or race or ethnicity or religion or socioeconomic status) settle into a new year filled with friendships, creativity, learning and a deep and unrelenting commitment to the wellbeing of all.





0 Comments

2022-2023 Welcome Back to School Words of Encouragement by Meghan Gebreselassie

8/23/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
​Each Prince George's County Public Schools family, student, teacher, staff and partner play a critical role in our community. The power of just one person who commits to giving their best, sharing a new idea, or solving a problem to uplift our schools, cannot be underestimated. This year, let's each tap into our own power and share our gifts as individuals — because when that power is multiplied many times over, it is what will transform our community into a thriving system of teaching, learning, equity and excellence. #PowerOf1 #OnePGCPS

0 Comments
<<Previous