Page 29 - Scene Magazine 45-06 June 2020
P. 29
Local Interest
BY TERRIS TODD, Executive Director of White House initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans
The White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans
Excellence for African Americans. I was sworn into position on May 5. I am very excited to be joining the administration towards these efforts. It’s really a proph- ecy fulfilled in my life and I’m proud to represent our community by taking on such a great opportunity.
• To serve as a liaison between and among communities supporting Afri- can American students of all ages.
This position is truly about supporting the African American community and ensuring students have every opportunity to access a high-quality education that puts them on the path to a successful life and career. Too many African American students are being left behind in our current system, and the Trump Adminis- tration is committed to ending that.
Going forward, my plan is to immerse myself in the goals and objectives of WHIEEAA as well as dive into a few proj- ects. Regional Coalition-building is one
Throughout the years, one of my sayings has been, “At the foundation of every industry is education.” I believe this to be true, and that is one of the statements that has driven my work as an educator. I want all children to be educated, disciplined, and successful
in life. My hope is that my role in this appointment will continue to highlight the good work that is being done across the country to turn excellent students into excellent adults.
President Trump and the Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos, want to make sure that every child, no matter their zip code, race, or income has access to the education that meets their unique needs, is personalized to them, unleashes their creativity, and unlocks their full potential.
I believe my previous work in education locally has prepared me for
Greetings, Battle Creek.
recommendations regarding the poli- cies, practices, and programs designed to accelerate learning and develop- ment.
this moment as executive director of
the WHIEEAA initiative. I began my career in 1998 as a sixth-grade teach-
er at Washington-Edison Elementary School. After three years, I moved on to teach at Southwestern-Edison Middle School and eventually transitioned to education administration, most recently as the director of education and children services at Community Action of South Central Michigan. During my tenure as an administrator, I instructed at Kellogg Community College as well.
Recently, I had the honor of being appointed to the position of exec- utive director of White House initia- tive on Educational
• To highlight people, programs, and practices facilitating the learning and development of African American students.
of my goals for the office – with focuses on the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, Southwest, West Coast, East Coast, and the South.
Other topics include highlighting ca- reer and technical education, the critical importance of family and community en- gagement and paths to entrepreneurship.
WHY SHOULD
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An accurate count is crucial to making sure tax dollars stay in our community.
HEALTH SERVICES ROAD IMPROVEMENTS SCHOOL PROGRAMS
EMERGENCY SERVICES BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
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The 2020 Census self-response phase is happening now and extends until October 31. COMPLETE YOUR QUESTIONNAIRE. IT’S IMPORTANT!
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my2020census.gov 1-844-330-2020 It is safe and easy! Respond today to ensure Calhoun counts for the next 10 years!
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The White House Initiative on Educa- tional Excellence for African Americans (WHIEEAA) was created to strengthen the nation by improving educational out- comes for African Americans of all ages, and to help ensure that this population will receive an education that prepares them for college and productive careers to contribute to the well-being of society.
The initiative works with individuals and organizations throughout the country to highlight and share effective local and national programs, policies and prac- tices that support the development and success of African American students. Specifically, the initiative highlights and mobilizes youth voices by providing platforms for African American youth to make recommendations for actions that can be taken to ensure all students feel and are safe, supported, and engaged in schools, communities, and in life.
To date, the WHIEEAA has focused on the following three guided principles:
• To provide platforms for youth and other impacted populations to make
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