NAVIGATING THROUGH THE TURMOIL IN K-12 EDUCATION

Dear NABSE Membership,

As your NABSE President, I commissioned our dedicated legislative committee, under the leadership of past NABSE president, Dr. Patricia Ackerman, and in close collaboration with Mr. Jacky Brown and Dr. Crystal Cross, with significant input from affiliate representatives on the committee, to delve deep into the challenges currently afflicting our educational community. Today, I am honored to present to you their comprehensive work: "NAVIGATING THROUGH THE TURMOIL IN K-12 EDUCATION" - A NABSE Position Paper.

This paper provides an in-depth examination of the challenges that educators, and particularly Black educators and learners, have faced in recent times. The 2022-23 academic year was particularly tumultuous, marked by cultural wars, safety concerns, legislative changes, and a rising exodus of educators. At a time when our community is under attack from multiple fronts, this document sheds light on the path forward.

A heartfelt thank you to the committee members who dedicated their time and expertise to this vital work. Their efforts have culminated in a comprehensive guide that serves as a mirror and a lens to our current situation, offering both reflection and insight.

As members of NABSE, a community of educators primarily of African American descent, we have a responsibility to stand up against forces that threaten the quality and inclusivity of education. The position paper sets out three key goals for our collective action:

Address systems, not just symptoms.
Build coalitions of allies.
Elevate student voices.

We cannot remain silent or passive in these trying times. Our predecessors faced challenges with fewer resources than we have today, and yet they left indelible marks on the fabric of our nation. Equipped with modern tools and technologies, and more importantly, the collective power of our community, we can - and must - make a difference.

I urge you to read the paper in its entirety, share it with your colleagues, discuss its contents in your circles, and consider how you can contribute to the mission it outlines. Together, we can navigate through the turmoil, uplift our students, and ensure that the promise of quality education for all is not just a dream but a reality.

In unity and purpose,

Nardos E. King Ed. D
President
National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE)