Educator & Curriculum Developer Experience
As an experienced and dedicated educator,
I know that a true education requires understanding the Black influence on the world. It is my responsibility and privilege to promote awareness of Black perspectives and truths, which can enhance our collective strength, especially in the face of challenges; enabling us to rise to our individual assignments with honor and innovative thinking.
Awards & Certifications
2026
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2019
2018
2016
2014
2013
2008-2012
Mahogany Columbus 2026 Class of Extraordinary Women Honoree
OEA Community & Cultural Impact Award
2026 Culture Columbus Honoree
Gahanna City Council Black History Resolution
The Ohio State University’s Education and Human Ecology ‘Trailblazing’ feature, October 2023
OEA Grant
OEA Grant
NCTE High School Teacher of Excellence Award in the Secondary Division
The Ohio State University EHE Legacy Spotlight
John P. Howard GLHS Renaissance Staff Recognition Award
OEA Grant
OCTELA Outstanding English Language Arts Educator Award in the Secondary Division
Pulitzer Center and New York Times 1619 Project Education Network Educator/Curriculum Developer, 2021-2022 Inaugural Cohort
National Student Emmy Award for GLHS TV segment on ‘Diaspora: Voices of an Ever-Changing America’, 2021
NCTE and Penguin Random House Teacher Award for Lifelong Readers/Maya Angelou Teacher Award for Poetry Runner-up Award
Central Ohio Social Justice Award recipient for Gahanna Lincoln High School Diaspora program, Organization in a Public School, 2019
National Women's Studies Association Women of Color Leadership Project, 2018 Cohort
Dr. Alivia Bozeman Critical Educator Award recipient, The Ohio State University College of Education and Human Ecology, Department of Teaching and Learning, 2016
National Council of Teachers of English Cultivating New Voices Among Scholars of Color Fellow, 2014-2016 Cohort
Community Advocate Award from Franklin County Children Services for work on Rise Sister Rise Committee, 2013
GLHS PRIDE Teacher Award, recipient, 2008-2024
Collicot Scholarship Award (also received in 2012)
GLHS PRIDE Teacher Award, recipient, 2008-2024
GJEA Grant
Professional Affiliations
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1619 Project Education Network
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American Education Research Association
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Cultivating New Voices among Scholars of Color (CNV)
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Gahanna Jefferson Education Association
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National Council of Black Studies
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National Council of Teachers of English
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National Council of Teachers of English, Black Caucus
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National Education Association Member
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National Women’s Studies Association
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Ohio Council of Teachers of English Language Arts
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Ohio Education Association Member
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Pulitzer Center
Selected Conference Presentations & Invited Engagements
Professional Education Committee Member: Indianola Informal K–8 Interview Team, February 2026
NCTE Conference “Dream Boldly”: Critical-Educator CNV Panelist and Facilitator, November 2025
NExT Hub Teaching Panelist, Sept 2025
NCTE ELATE Conference “Legacies of African American Pedagogical Excellence and Future-Making in Teacher Education: Presenter and Participant, July 2025
The Pulitzer Centers 1619 Project Impact Series, November 2024
Professional Education Committee Member: Indianola Informal K–8 Interview Team, February 2024
NCTE Conference ‘Celebrating Black Writers: Voices Calling for Activism and Social Justice National Writing Contest: Judge and Final Round Reviewer, November 2023
Linguistic Justice: Black Language, Literacy, Identity and Pedagogy book talk Facilitator and Moderator,
April 2023
National Council of Black Studies Conference ‘“Reparations, Resilience, and Restorative Justice: Commemorating the Centennial of the Rosewood Massacre of 1923”: Presenter and Participant, March 2023
Fugitive Pedagogy: Carter G. Woodson & the Art of Black Teaching book talk Co-moderator, August 2022
Pittsburgh Public Schools Leadership Academy Master Class Instructor, August 2022
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Fisher X MBK Summer Business Camp Communications Instructor, June 2022
NExT Hub Teaching Panelist, May 2022
Berklee BSU Real Talk on Black History, April 2021
Capital University Educators Rising Conference: Presenter, February 2020
The Ohio State University College of Education and Human Ecology Equity and Diversity Educator Conference: Keynote Featured Speaker, January 2020
AERA Conference Roundtable: Presenter and Participant, April 2019
CCCC Conference Panel: Presenter and Participant, March 2019
California State University Diversity in Education Teacher Ed Course: Guest Speaker, April 2018
CNV (Cultivating New Voices Among Scholars of Color) Spring Institute:
Participant and Presenter, 2015 & 2016
The Ohio State University Urban Teaching Seminar “Pedagogue Dialogue”: Speaker/Participant, February 2014
Distinguished Scholars Panel Session at the Service Learning Conference: Chair, Oct 2012