Maya Angelou, the educator’s voice rang out loud and it rang out clear. Though not a credentialed teacher, she educated all of us about life’s challenges and the ability to overcome life’s difficulties. She was an inspiration to all of us.
She left us with so much that can be used to teach young people today. And as I sit down to write this, so many beautiful thoughts have been written in her memory.
As a high school reading teacher working with students struggling with learning difficulties, I assigned I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Though it was not an easy book for my students on many different levels, it was one of the more popular books. Even those who hated reading, were drawn to Maya’s early life difficulties and her ability to overcome. Afterwards, we also watched the movie which I also recommend.
Perhaps it was Maya’s love for young people that inspired her to open several charter schools. While I am not a fan of charters, I believe in having one excellent system, I will say her charters are especially purposeful. They deal with troubled youth. Like her writings, they seek to inspire young people to carry on despite troubled lives and broken dreams.
Maya Angelou was not a fan of Race to the Top and she did not like high-stakes testing. In 2013, along with 120 authors and illustrators, she signed a letter to the President voicing concern about high-stakes testing. It seems she understood what wasn’t good for children.
Rest in Peace dear author and poet.
Leave a Reply