Go Deeper

“Those stories help them to understand and see, not only is this something that is going on currently, but it’s something that has gone on over the span of time… all hope is not lost.” Ms. Shamecca Williams High School English Literature Lovers, this one's for you! On today’s episode, we are joined by Ms. Shamecca Williams. This Brooklyn born, DC educated, Maryland based educator reflects on the wonderful learning experiences she had attending a diverse high school, the culture shock of becoming an extreme minority in college, and how a mentor professor’s suggestion led her into the classroom. “We need to figure out… where do we start?” As an educator with 17 years of experience, Shamecca’s goal of cultivating healthy, responsive individuals means making learning fun, making lessons applicable and connecting the dots to real life. Listen in as she talks about the texts she recommends to help students who are struggling to find their identity, the interplay between the socioeconomic environment and the impact on academic achievement, and why she chooses to look at the bright spots while addressing community disparities.

Om Podcasten

Teachers are Earth's Mightiest Superheroes and their stories can inspire generations. The Black Educators Matter: Project 500 Podcast is on a journey to share the stories of 500 Black educators. Why? Research shows that Black students who have even one Black teacher are more likely to graduate, attend college, and see themselves reflected in positions of leadership. White students also benefit from learning from a diverse teaching force. This podcast is necessary because storytelling is the bridge that connects data to humanity—showing the world why Black educators matter.