Perception versus Reality:  Managing your brand as a Black Male Educator in the historically non-diverse United States school system

introductions 12 years in education Ela teacher, 6- 12 Instructional coach, district of Columbia public schools B.a. from towson (specializing in sports communication) - M.a. from notre dame of md university Career changer / 2012 Maryland teacher of the year / 2013 pearson global fellow

It is a peculiar sensation, this double-consciousness, this sense of always looking at one’s self through the eyes of others…One ever feels his two-ness— an American, a Negro; two souls, two thoughts, two unreconciled strivings; two warring ideals in one dark body, whose dogged strength alone keeps it from being torn asunder. What resonates with you in regards to this quote? How is it applicable to your work as a black male (educator)? W.E.b. dubois

Perception vs. reality Brand is just a perception, and perception will match reality over time. Sometimes it will be ahead, other times it will be behind. But brand is simply a collective impression some have about a product (or person). -Elon Musk Your brand is a combination of how others see you and how you see yourself Eventually, the two may meet, but it is not guaranteed As a black male educator, it is imperative that we consider our brand in everything that we do

Brand killers Style over substance Non-responsiveness (especially in communication) lateness Inconsistency Lack of results Defensiveness Socializing first approach

Brand builders Established body of work Consistency (are you dependable?) Positive affect Calculated risk-taking Professional attire and approach Embracing accountability Business first approach

Then it dawned upon me with a certain suddeness that I was different from the others; or like [them perhaps] in heart and life and longing, but shut out from their world by a vast veil. I had thereafter no desire to tear down that veil, to creep through; I held all beyond it in common contempt, and lived above it in a region of blue sky and great wandering shadow. w.e.b. dubois What are ways we can continue to be connected to each other as well as the students we serve and people we work with in constructive ways?

Thank you for your engagement Josh parker – joshparker1422@gmail.com -