[ Teaching & Learning ]

Teaching to inspire

LaShonda Bradberry, a special education teacher at Cheektowaga High School, is a member of the Cheektowaga Teachers Association.
special education teacher LaShonda Bradberry smiles while holding an oversized Scrabble poster with letter cards creating various words
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hen I think about the moment I knew I was going to be a teacher, I think back to fourth grade. That year we were learning about the American Revolution and the Constitution; the fourth-grade teachers decided to teach the topic through a play. I was the town crier and I was also responsible for the 19th Amendment playing the role of Sojourner Truth. I was the only Black student in the fourth grade class. To be given the role of Sojourner Truth was both an honor as well as a turning point in my early life. I had learned about a woman who demonstrated courage and strength, and who was the voice to tell the story of Black women when no one knew or showed concern.

My fourth-grade year was also the year that my mother, a union activist herself, was starting a Civil Rights Committee for her local United Auto Workers union. I would sneak and read her materials about the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. I was learning about “me,” about my ancestors; I felt alive. I wanted to know more, and when I knew more I wanted to share it, I wanted to teach it. That is when I decided I wanted to be a teacher; I was going to be a teacher.

I played school until I was in eighth grade. Of course the subject I taught was social studies and every “play” day was Black History Month. Once I was in middle school, “playing school” was the method I used to study for tests. In so many ways I was manifesting my future through the art of play. In college, I took as many social studies classes as I could. I loved learning about culture, not just Black history but also the history of marginalized groups in general. In 2004, I was given the opportunity to teach special education as well as teach social studies. I believed that if I was able to teach students about history through the eyes of marginalized groups I would be able to teach resilience as well as perseverance, which in turn would inspire. I was following the teachings of W.E.B. Dubois and his ideals of the “Talented Tenth.” I was going to use the knowledge I had to “pull” my students up.

In 2007, I started teaching African American History; the impact the class has had on students of all backgrounds is priceless. From the class, an annual Black History Month program was born. The students of the inaugural year wanted to leave a legacy. I have always followed my heart and taught through love. It was always my goal to inspire those who I had the honor to teach. Maya Angelou’s quote “… but people will never forget how you made them feel” is one that I live by. I have built a family, choosing to move in love, not only being a teacher but being present in every moment.

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What’s your why?

Countless talking heads outside the classroom have a lot to say, but we want to hear from you. Why did you choose the teaching profession — and why do you stay? Send submissions up to 500 words, along with a photo, to united@nysut.org.