Classroom Conversations with LaShona Dickerson

Because I feel safe... Because I feel safe I am able to learn With no doubts, no worries No midnight concern. Because I feel safe My teachers will see Just how Maslow’s pyramid Applies daily to me. Because I feel safe My compliance you will find Is not because of fear But because I have a clear mind Because I feel safe I hope you understand Your protective provisions Is a social-emotional learning demand. My body, my mind, my heart and daily demure Is reflective of your efforts to keep me safe and secure. Important to you and essential to me Because I feel safe I attend school daily.

Hey Little Black Girl I entered a food court behind a group of students. As I come down the escalator, I see this cute little black girl. She is with the group, yet she is alone.   I proceed to get my food and find a seat. I sit and notice the same precious girl eating alone. I glanced at her and smiled. She smiled back. If I had the opportunity to speak with her, here is what I would say. Hey little black girl. Do you know who you are? You’re the rarest of gems, The brightest of stars. Hey little black girl. Don’t sit alone. Sit at the table and Be the backbone That you were meant to be Like the heritage of black women Since slavery. Hey little black girl Don’t be too shy To lean in and Project your voice it can not be denied. Hey little black girl I just want you to know You have a strong foundation On which to grow. Hey little black girl I have one last thing to say, You will become a phenomenal woman One...

MozFest 2017 was absolutely professionally rejuvenating. I spent a few days in London interacting with a diverse group of professionals discussing internet health. The topic I continued to be drawn to was digital inclusion. More specifically, the forgotten communities. While the discussion was centered around internet access in rural communities, the discussion led to other forgotten communities, particularly students with disabilities. I have deployed thousands of Chromebooks and pushed out hundreds of apps. Some at the request of staff and others as a means to spark creativity. Not once have I ever considered students with disabilities and how certain apps could bring them into the fold of learners or how digital tools would highlight a talent we would not otherwise know of because we are blinded by the disability. As a tech leader in the education space, I gained a much broader perspective on many uses of the internet in many different industries. I learned that our opportunities ...

Learning is not limited to the confines of physical space. Therefore, I am broadening the conversation and expanding the classroom. Conversations will no longer be limited school talk. Let's converse about LEARNING! Learning is ubiquitous. It happens everywhere. If you are living you should be learning and if you are not, well you need to be evaluated. Over the past few days, I have truly been rejuvenated as I held intercontinental discussions with diverse groups of professionals. The topics were authentic, the challenges were common, and the approaches to resolve were works in progress for all. My take away from London was inclusivity. While the focus was on digital inclusion, the conversation took me to mental places that were dormant. Now I want to be sure that I "unforget" the individuals and topics that have somehow faded in the background. The fabric of life and the fullness thereof is in the uniqueness of those that are brave enough to open their hearts and min...

What is it, what is its impact and how can I build it for my students? As I explore the streets of London at the ripe age of 45, I connect with topics I recall not understanding as a young girl. I finally made the connection! As an Educator, I always believed in the power of building background knowledge to give individuals a perspective on what they were about to learn. This gives them perspective and a connection. With a connection, the learning experience is different and more engaging because they now have something to reference. POWERFUL! We must set the stage when introducing topics to students. We owe it to them to give them perspective, a connection that some will never have the opportunity to gain otherwise. With the use of technology, this is possible. Videos are great but won't work for every child. Virtual Reality, however, can place students in actual environments where they gain real perspectives on topics. I've read stories of Paddington Bear many times but...

As we guide young people to adulthood, I can't help but observe the behaviors and expectations on the journey. On this journey, there will be plains, plateaus, hills, valleys, and mountains of varying depths, heights, and distances. Each journey with different expectations. Each journey personal. Now if we know all of this to be true or possible why do we set expectations for children on a path filled with plains and plateaus according to a path of hills and mountains. That makes no sense! We set them up for failure before their journey begins. I get it, there are a set of common expectations in life, those essential qualities, and skills we need as humans, but that's foundational. School systems, schools, and teachers are using one measurement for all students. Why? Why do you , as school system leader , demand that schools perform according to only the state metrics? Celebrate growth no matter how small. Why do you , as principal , evaluate teachers using a prescript...

I recently had the opportunity to listen to Angela Maiers speak about bravery. As I received the message I began to ponder about what that looks like in my life, the lives of my children and in the classroom. Brave is not some adjective on reserve for the superhero you see in the movies, doctors, firefighters, or civil right activists. Although these individuals display bravery, it's not the picture we should paint for our children. We all have the capacity to be brave. In order to demonstrate it or bring it out, we have to first define it. What does brave mean to you? How can you display bravery? Watch the link for my definition and example. Share yours in the comments..... Be Brave