RLH #3 - Educated By Women

With it being Women’s History Month, I was looking back on my formal education and reflecting on the women who have shaped me. Ms. Johnson immediately came to mind. Sitting in her 6th-grade class, in the corner on the 2nd floor at Cleveland Street Elementary School in Orange, NJ, she held my classmates and me accountable while allowing us to be ourselves. Ms. Johnson taught me how to be responsible without having to say it.

For example, she designated me, along with Faruq (my classmate and more importantly, my boy of 40 years) to raise and lower the flag outside every day. At first, I wasn’t excited to be chosen, but ultimately, I took pride in being one of the two students with that responsibility for the school year. Ms. Johnson saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself.

Thoughts of other women educators come to mind as well.

Nishuane Elementary School – Montclair, NJ

Ms. Veal (1st Grade) & Ms. Bailey (2nd Grade)

From the very start, these strong Black women reinforced the lessons I learned from my mother, grandmother, and aunts. They not only laid the foundation for my education but cemented it, creating a safe space for curiosity, growth, and confidence.

Watchung Elementary School – Montclair, NJ

Ms. Arnold (5th Grade)

This was a pivotal time in my life, as I had to leave Ms. Arnold’s class midway through the school year. I had been caught using a false address to attend schools in Montclair—a sacrifice by my parents that I am grateful for. Ms. Arnold helped me transition as only a teacher can. She also gave me a poster from the classroom a poster I had stared at countless times throughout the day. It was of a basketball player and read: “If you don’t have a goal, there’s nothing to shoot for.” I kept that poster in my room for years.

Cleveland Street Elementary School – Orange, NJ

Ms. Webster (4th Grade Math)

When I transferred to Cleveland Street in 5th grade, I was placed in Ms. Webster’s math class. I felt embarrassed, especially since some of my peers (friends from my neighborhood) were in their grade-appropriate class or higher for math. Ms. Webster understood my struggles and remained patient with me. My confidence grew, and by 6th grade, I was placed in 6th-grade math. Writing this, I get a little emotional; I truly appreciate Ms. Webster’s efforts. May she rest well.

Orange Middle School – Orange, NJ

Ms. Bautista (8th Grade)

From Ms. Bautista, I learned that the small things do count even in cooking class. One missing ingredient could ruin an entire recipe. This lesson has carried over into all parts of my life: don’t cut corners, because when I did, it showed. I can still hear her saying, “You didn’t measure it.”

Immaculate Conception High School – Montclair, NJ

Mrs. Murphy (10th Grade)

Mrs. Murphy taught me that forgiveness is okay in the education world. One day, she caught me cheating on a test. She didn’t embarrass me in front of the class. Instead, she spoke with me privately. I gave a typical teenager excuse about not studying. She didn’t report me to the principal or my coach; she allowed me to retake the test.

University of Connecticut – Hartford, CT

Dr. Karen Bullock (Graduate Program)

Dr. Bullock’s pride in teaching reminded me that I could succeed at the graduate level. Her African American Studies course encouraged me to work hard, explore the world, and remain approachable.

Dr. Lisa Werkmeister-Rozas (Graduate Program)

Dr. Werkmeister-Rozas sensed I was struggling early in the program. Her encouragement allowed me to work through challenges and ultimately graduate, demonstrating the power of mentorship and belief in students.

Department of Children and Families – Academy for Workforce Development, Hartford, CT

Tracy Davis (Director)

Tracy accepted me into the program without firsthand knowledge of my abilities. During our conversation, she told me it was okay to grow. I had been worried about how colleagues would perceive me as a trainer. Her advice allowed me to embrace growth, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without her support.

Western Connecticut State University – Danbury, CT

Dr. Karen McLean (Department Chair/Associate Professor)

Witnessing Dr. McLean manage an entire department while teaching is inspiring. Her students admire her, and I soak in as much as I can from her.

Dr. Deneen Harris (Associate Professor)

Dr. Harris’s calmness and steadfast approach in the classroom taught me the value of balancing firmness with flexibility. Her wealth of knowledge is something I continue to learn from.

Dr. April Moreira (Associate Professor)

Dr. Moreira’s attention to detail and passion for her work inspire me to prioritize tasks thoughtfully. Hearing students rave about what they’ve learned motivates me to do better.

Dr. Sharon Young (Associate Professor)

Dr. Young’s welcoming approach makes students feel truly engaged. They don’t just want to learn, they feel like learning. That’s the difference.

Professor Rebecca Wade-Rancourt (Associate Professor)

Professor Wade-Rancourt has a natural ability to connect with students. Her passion for social work and genuine relationships continue to inspire me as I work to implement the same in my practice.

My formal education has been shaped mostly by women, and I am able to recognize their profound impact. As Michelle Obama once said, “The difference between a broken community and a thriving one is the presence of women who are valued.” Thanks to these women, the community within myself has thrived. Though it’s Women’s History Month, they are present every day. Thank you to all of you.