(4/5) “Reflecting on history and the reality of what has happened over time, marginalized and underserved communities have been affected by the quality and inequity of education. This reinforces why I come in every day. I want students who look like me to understand that they can go to college, excel, be educated, and love learning. There is nothing wrong with loving to be educated and leaning on those principles and pillars in our lives. I've learned that there are times in life when you may not want to learn, but when you see the end goal and understand where education can take you, it becomes the key to success, and your possibilities are endless. That's why I'm still here. Even when I was younger, knowing the history of what figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Maya Angelou, and Phyllis Wheatley went through for my education has been a driving force. That's why I'm here. Our history matters. It matters to me. I wasn't born during those times, but I was raised in part by my great-grandmother, who was born in 1930 during the Great Depression and wasn't afforded the type of education I receive today. Maybe that's one of the reasons why I fight hard to get educated. I want our students and our community to strive for more than just a high school diploma. While a diploma is good, we can do better. There are alternative paths to education, and it doesn't have to end just because you're tired. Are you going to work towards education, be the best you can be, and flourish in life? Or are you going to choose the harder road, not pursue anything, and still have to struggle because you lack education and resources? Both paths are hard, but the path of education offers greater opportunities.” –Nya Griffin Teacher in The School District of Philadelphia City Teaching Alliance Fellow, Cohort 2023 #teachersintheirpower #blackhistory #philadelphia (fb)

🌟 Meet Lidia Labuda (Cohort 2024), a ninth-grade ELA and special education teacher in DC. When Lidia started year 1 of our pathway, she wasn’t sure if she’d thrive in special education. What she enjoyed most was realizing it was one of her strengths 💪 and acquiring a wide toolbox to meet the diverse needs of all students in her classroom. If you’re ready to discover your strength like Ms. Labuda, join Cohort 2025 and step into the classroom this fall. 🍎 #InclusiveEducation #SpecialEducationTeacher #JoinCohort2025 #CityTeachingAlliance (fb)