By Emily Mukasa

Denver public school teachers and school clergy are taking critical steps to eradicate the belief that Black children are incapable of achieving the same kind of academic success that white students have achieved. Through implementing creative strategies and innovative teaching methods, Denver teachers have been successful in fostering a sense of self-confidence among students of color. Two Denver public school teachers, who have used both conventional and unconventional methods, talk about educating our youth, and, more importantly, keeping them in school.

Pat Roles, former student advisor and activities director at Overland High School and Jeffrey Young, a Smiley Middle School music teacher both believe that, with the right guidance and resources, children of color can be among the highest academic achievers.

Young says that although parents do play a central role in their children’s educational experience, they should not be blamed for the academic crisis many students of color are facing today. He does however, encourage African American parents to get more involved in their children’s school activities and daily schoolwork -- and not leave the job entirely up to the teachers.

Roles agree. “Too often African American parents do not get involved in things like Parent Teacher Organizations meetings. We need to be part of the things that really determine the success of a student like being on the committee that decides what kind of curriculum is to be taught,” she said.

Young feels he’s had a positive influence on the children he teaches, and that music is a huge part of the reason why his classes are successful.

“Music and other forms of art in public schools play a major role is keeping students motivated to stay in school. There is a 50 percent decrease in the school drop-out rates in schools where music is part of the curriculum. Teaching children about African Americans leaders in the field of music inspires students not only to attend music class but to strive for overall academic achievement,” Young said.

Anesha Williams, 20, a third year student at Spelman College in Atlanta studying to be a Physician Assistant, and Monica Lyles, 24, a graduate of Stanford University in California are both former Overland High School students who were influenced by Role’s leadership. “Roles played a major role in our going on to college and excelling academically. Roles is a role model who doesn’t just teach but also practices recognizing and congratulating her students for every little thing they do,” Lyles said.

“People look at me as a role model and I credit Roles (a recent 9 Who Cares recipient) for helping me learn to put myself out there. My esteem is higher and I am a lot more confident. I’ve grown up to be responsible, well-mannered and assertive,” Williams said.
During his teaching career Young has learned a great deal from working with students and fellow teachers from diverse ethnic backgrounds. His interactions with fellow teachers who were Jewish taught him about the importance of teaching children to be proud of their heritage.

“Jewish people talk about their ancestors to their children. That is what some African American parents fail to do. Our children need to be taught more about their history and people like Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks and others. So I tell children to stay focused in life and to learn about their heritage. This will open up so many possibilities in their lives,” Young said.

Young says his strategy in the classroom is to use creative techniques to work with his students. He combines music and social etiquette during his classes. “I ask them to respect the class by not talking and encourage them to dress appropriately for a concert,” Young said.

Roles’ feels that people need to be sensitive that some Black children might not have all the resources other kids might. But at the same time, she tells the children not to use that as a scapegoat.

“We lower our expectations for our African American students by putting them in a box because we think they cannot do certain things. Yet they can. My mother always told me and I told my kids that when things are not going your way, do not give up, you can beat them with your brain and be just as smart,” Roles said.

Former student Monica Lyles, continues the work Roles modeled for her by taking a position working with children in a non-profit organization. She hopes to motivate her students the way Roles motivated her. “It makes a difference when you know you have someone who cares about your success,” Lyles said.

Roles and Young advise students who feel compelled to give back to the community to never hold back because it is they who will help facilitate generations of successful African American youth.

Roles and Young hope their work will stimulate other teachers to explore creative avenues to reaching today’s youth. Both are clear that it takes a whole lot more than a classroom to save a child. They both agree it takes a village.