March 31, 2009 issue
I teach at EMU because of our incredible
students and my precious colleagues within the College
of Education. Our phenomenal dean, Dr. Vernon C. Polite,
is our great leader and emancipator, whose life of service vibrantly challenges
and ignites us with a passion to do it differently and think it differently.
My zealous dream is to prepare younger and seasoned educators to first offer
fervent hope and restoration to many of our nation's students
and their families whose lives are entangled within an
abyss of hopelessness and despair. Second, (I want) to
reach and teach in outrageous and radically alternative ways through utilizing
such means as rapping, dancing, costumes, superhero clothing, media,
and other pop and youth culture.
I am known as Dr. J, the "Nutty Professor" who is a frustrated
and rather lame comedian, educational rapper, American
Idol "wanna-be" and one
who believes that teaching is a calling, not a career!
It's a spiritual summons to endure a battlefield where
students' minds and hearts are held captive by those who
fail to see their potentiality! Is there any greater calling
than that of a life dedicated to eliminating oppression
and restoring equity for our nation's youth and families?
Perhaps it's my mother, an alumna of EMU and retired kindergarten teacher
for 35 years, who instilled in me the intrigue of the magical
kingdom called "school!" Or, it may be my four sons and daughter-in-law
who have graced EMU's campus as students who remind me
daily that Eastern gave them the confidence and skills
to negotiate and find great success in life's rough edges.
I'd like to retire and be a full-time grandma, but I am more excited
about teaching than I have been in my entire life. I am passionate about
it. Passion knows no boundaries or limits, and seeks to embrace life each
moment as precious. EMU was founded on passion and may our exhaustive
work as staff and students never end as we take on each day with exuberance
and humility!
