Mastery For All with Mr. James O'Neal
Mastery for all, empowered by equity for all, through the belief of expectations for all. This is the charge that James has in making sure that everyone involved in the schooling; students, teachers, parents, administration, will reach their level of mastery. James shares his expertise as a keynote speaker, national board certified math teacher, and a 14 year veteran in the space of education. James will have you crying, laughing, thinking, and most of all engaging those in your circle to reach mastery. His heart for all stakeholders in charge of empowering all youth is evident in his commitment and language. James knows the struggle that millions of students face as they strive for greatness in the education system. He has found success in loving students and pulling out the brilliance they already possess. To see videos and request booking please visit www.mrjamesoneal.com or email us at info@mrjamesoneal.com. FB/IG: @mr.jamesonealLI/TW: @mrjamesoneal
Mastery For All with Mr. James O'Neal
The ONLY Black Male Educator in the District - S2 Ep3
For seven years, I taught in a school district where I was the only black male teacher of the district. This was out of 2 elementary schools, one large middle school, and one high school. The previous black male teachers retired the year before I joined the district and I stayed the only one for the next 7 years. Though I was the only black male teacher, 45% of the school identified as black. That district served close to 3,500 students.
The next district I had the privilege of teaching at was a more affluent district where 97% of the students there were White and 2% of the student population was black. This district served close to 4,000 students.
In both cases I learned a lot about ME and what I believed. I learned the importance of representation and how without it, many times, students did not feel like they had someone to relate to. I learned that many of my black students looked up to me as a father, big brother, a uncle and they were excited to see my "face in the place". I wore being the only with pride until I realized that I was the only!
This podcast deals with the real lessons I learned in both districts and how much I grew into who I am today.
I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to reach out info@mrjamesoneal.com