Black Teacher Appreciation Day – Meet the Nominees (Part 6)

Here are ten more excellent Black teachers nominated for recognition as part of our Black Teacher Appreciation Day celebration. Here's what people had to say about:

Ms. Mia Bennett, East Orange, NJ (multiple nominations): "Ms. Mia Bennett has inspired me through her unwavering dedication to nurturing each child’s growth with patience, creativity, and genuine care. I am truly thankful for the positive, lasting impact she makes by fostering a love of learning and helping every child feel valued and confident."

"Ms. Bennett is the epitome of what I have coined "The Kid WHISPERER!!" She deeply cares about children and empowers them each to show up authentically themselves by always operating in excellence and knowing that they can do anything they're willing to put the work in toward."

Ms. Janaye Davis, Long Beach, CA: "Miss Janaye Davis has inspired me through her unwavering dedication and the way she pours deeply into her students while navigating the emotional labor of teaching—it’s a level of purpose that has shaped how I understand what it truly means to serve. I’m thankful for her resilience, her impact, and her courage to honor both her students and her own calling."

Ms. Tania Turner, Lancaster, PA: "Miss Turner is dedicated to her students on so many levels. She serves as a great role model and inspirational teacher who supports students' identity development and empowers them to advocate for themselves. For example, she started a "My Natural Hair" group for her female middle school students, and male students also joined. She is an exceptional teacher who deserves to be honored."

Ms. Monica Magee, New Orleans, LA: "Monica Magee is a phenomenal kindergarten teacher. Year after year, her students demonstrate remarkable growth—not only in numbers and alphabet recognition, but across all areas of learning. Her dedication, skill, and passion truly make a lasting impact on every child she teaches."

Mr. Mike Cannon, Memphis, TN: "Mr. Cannon inspired me by teaching discipline, skill, and confidence through barbering. I’m thankful for him because he helped prepare me for success in both my craft and life."

Mr. Christopher Hosey, Brooklyn Park, MN: "While I was not blessed to be one of his students, as his wife, I have the distinct honor of watching how inspirational and how much of a blessing he has been to every student who he works with. I am also blessed for his encouragement and motivation that led me to pursuing college and following my dream of being an educator too!"

Mr. Darius Beasley, Detroit, MI: "Mr. Beasley has provided his students with opportunities for exposure to French-speaking communities around the world. He works hard to prepare us to take the AP French exam and organized an immersive trip for us to French-speaking Montreal, Quebec."

Mr. David Rosales, Oakland, CA: "Using a variety of artists and art techniques, Mr. Rosales guides students through the process of self-expression and awareness. His development of this year’s art show highlighted students’ increased understanding of the art industry and was a highly celebrated community event."

Mr. Fadil Doctry, Philadelphia, PA: "He is very cheery even on a Monday morning. He gives the space for students to learn, share their own experiences, opinions, and overall makes the classroom a comfortable space for his students. I’ve had many teachers before, but he is one of the few who validates and relates to his students from a professional standpoint."

Mr. Dominic Montiero, Oakland, CA: "Mr. Montiero aims to integrate content, life skills, and culture into each lesson. His energy in the classroom and enthusiastic encouragement have fostered excitement around literature and issues that matter to our students."

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