2024 Freedom Schools Literacy Academy: The Homecoming I Didn’t Know I Needed
Guest author, Shanel Adams
There is nothing I love more than the classroom. It is where I have come alive and found joyful purpose I can’t fully put into words. Yet, like all educators, there are times when the job is too tiring. This past school year was one of those years for me. My plan was to fully relax this summer, not working anywhere, so I could recuperate for the new school year ahead. However, I am so glad I went against myself and signed on to become a Servant Leader Apprentice (SLA) Coach for Freedom School Literacy Academy (FSLA) instead.
From the time I began training in Philadelphia with other coaches and site leads– I felt at home. I marveled at the conversations that were being had about our love for Black-centered pedagogy, our commitment to our students, and an overall passion for education. I thought, as I sat in the classroom soaking up the wisdom around me, “I needed this.” When I left Philadelphia and began my work as an SLA Coach for the virtual FSLA program, the inspiration and community did not cease. I found comfort in having a team that was strong in character and work ethic. The way the other coaches and our program manager facilitated training and worked with the SLAs showed that education was the heartbeat of who they were. Likewise, the SLAs blew me away with their compassion for youth. These college students from all over the country were brilliant, soulful, and attentive. They taught me just as much as I taught them.
FSLA 2024 was the homecoming I didn't know I needed. Whether it was the small glimmers of inspiration from the SLAs or the community panel events that featured trailblazers with wisdom I’ll never forget, FSLA held me this summer. I can’t wait to share all of what I felt this summer with my students.
