Back-to-School is finally here! August and September are the months when most traditional schools in the U.S. gear up to open their doors and welcome students back from summer break. However, the 2021-2022 school year lends itself to an extra special welcome back because many schools are reopening not only after summer break but after a school year of virtual learning—at a scale of the first of its kind nation-wide!
Thus, #BadassBlackGirl wants to take a moment to recognize, salute, celebrate, and highlight some of our favorite badass educators shaping young minds in the classroom for their work and priceless contributions to society and the world at large.
To all the amazing, dedicated, hard-working, self-sacrificing, and irreplaceable teachers out there, Aaron Bacall said it best, “Your heart is slightly larger than the average human heart, but that’s because you’re a teacher.” So, THANK YOU for ALL that you do, and may this school year be one for the books—full of happiness, health, growth, and success—for you, your students, and all of the families, communities, and lives you will impact!
1. Tamara Moore
Tamara Moore is the Denver, Colorado K-5 educator and social emotional learning
educator behind If Pencils Could Talk, which promotes a message to kids, youth, adults—
and all humans essentially—to live life out loud and on purpose! On Tamara’s page, you’ll
find lots of courage and vulnerability that she imparts to her students via her own acts of
courage and vulnerability living and navigating life as a proud LGBTQ+ woman and
educator. Check out my #FavePost on her page!
2. Nita Creekmore
Nita Creekmore is the Atlanta, Georgia educator and instructional coach behind
LoveTeachBless, which is filled with lots of inspiration and encouragement for educators
empowering students everywhere! On Nita’s page, you will find an abundance of diverse
reading recommendations for your students to get them thinking and engaged in literacy.
Check out my #FavePost on her page!
3. Akiea Gross
Akiea “Ki” Gross runs the WokeKindergarten page, with a primary mission to foster a
“global, abolitionist early learning community” that empowers little people. Like her page
name suggests, her posts are full of “woke” content that uplifts, unites, activates,
encourages, and supports doers of the anti-racist and liberating work in classrooms around
the world. Check out my #FavePost on her page!
4. LaNesha Tabb
LaNesha Tabb is the Indianapolis, Indiana educator behind Apron Education, which
makes everything about being an educator feel wholesome and filling, like a good home-
cooked meal. Her page is full of exciting and transformational content that inspires
educators everywhere to connect with learners on an individual level, while at the same
time, unlocking the potential of the world around them. Check out my #FavePost on her
page here!
5. Vera Ahiyya
Vera Ahiyya is the Brooklyn, New York educator behind The Tutu Teacher, which
provides an abundance of smiles, laughter, and amazingly good reads for students,
families, and the occasional adult who loves picture books! Vera’s personality is infectious,
and she even recommends professional development reads for teachers looking to further
perfect their craft in the classroom. Check out my #FavePost on her page!
With the 2021-2022 school year gearing up, educators across the U.S. are overdue for accolades, appreciation, and acknowledgement, and #BadassBlackGirl couldn’t let class get dismissed without giving a shoutout to these amazing educators; be sure you celebrate a teacher before the final bell rings!
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Meloni Capria is a Wisconsin native who currently resides in Texas with her wife, 10-year-old son, and their three pet Yorkies. Her professional background is in Secondary Education and English Language Arts and Reading. She currently serves in the role of Editorial Assistant at Mango Publishing Group and is a collaborative partner at DOPE Publishing. She enjoys writing, watching movies, and all things related to marriage, parenting, and family.