Black Teacher Appreciation Day – Meet the Nominees (Part 14)

Let's keep cheering for our nominated teachers. These next ten teachers are also part of our Black Teacher Appreciation Day celebration:

Ms. Stella Adams, Memphis, TN (multiple nominations: "Stella Adams has been very caring and compassionate. I feel very thankful my child has a teacher who is patient and kind."

"Thank you for being so informative throughout this school year."

"She embodies empathy and grace, which is needed in SPED. My son has thrived with her leadership."

Mr. Stephen N. Jenkins, Lakewood, CA (multiple nominations): "I'm thankful for this teacher since he is anvery fun and creative person. When he does math, it is very understanding."

"Mr. Jenkins was one of my golf coaches as well and he was the nicest person ever. He made me believe in myself and helped me get through difficult times. He gave me the best advice and was always there for my golf team and I."

"This teacher is amazing and fun to learn with. He also makes lessons we learn entertaining and actually good to learn than regular boring classes."

"He is really funny. And he inspires me to do better in school."

"I'm thankful that he's a very fun person, who makes learning easy and understandable."

"Mr. Jenkins is an incredible educator whose dedication to his students goes far beyond the classroom. In addition to teaching SDC Math for grades 9–12, he serves as the senior class advisor and head golf coach, inspiring students daily through his energy, compassion, and unwavering support. After serving as a campus security officer for over 15 years while earning his teaching credential, he continues to model perseverance, hard work, and the importance of pursuing your dreams."

Ms. Symone Owens: "I am so thankful for her because she makes sure that her students have all the resources they need to achieve. She helps the parent to understand and the child. The students really love Mrs. Symone."

Ms. Tahira Jamillia Carmon, Mobile, AL: "Ms. Carmon is an amazing educator who understands her students. She is gifted in working with neurodiverse children who may not always understand their own uniqueness."

Ms. Takela McDuffie, El Dorado, AR: "McDuffie works with her students to push them as far as possible. She works with a level of excellence that is overlooked because she is a black educator. She is the reason I left the private sector, moving to the public school district."

Ms. Tessa El Basha, La Vergne, TN: "While this teacher is my firstborn, she inspires me every day for her care and attention she has for all of her students; while she is nurturing, she is not smothering. She uses everyday experiences with her students and turns those into teachable moments. She has literally taught her 4 year old nephew math, science, and reading through everyday play to where his level of learning is beyond his years. She has a genuine love for kids both in and out of the classroom."

Ms. Tialyr Winters, Chicago, IL: "Tialyr Winters is my favorite foreign language teacher. Her brilliant way of connecting with students brings foreign languages to life, and she's a globe-trotting educator, so she always has stories and photos to share. I'm thankful that she is sharing her gifts with the next generation, inspiring them to get a passport and see the world!"

Ms. Tiffany Housey, Sumter, SC: "Ms. Housey does so much for our school. She’s definitely a fan favorite. She broadcasts the morning show and created a music video for our students. She’s simply amazing! She’s helped so many of our students and deserves the recognition for her hard work and dedication."

Ms. Tishauna Gillard, Charlotte, NC: "Math wasn’t her favorite—it was just part of the job. But as she leaned into the challenge, she found joy in the patterns and power in the progress. Now, she helps her students see math not as something to fear, but as something they’re capable of conquering."

Ms. Travis Bouldin, Washington, DC: "Travis Bouldin has profoundly impacted students at Ron Brown by bridging the equity gap for Black boys through agriculture education that integrates scientific, economic, political, and ethical perspectives. His commitment to hands-on, purposeful learning—through gardening, farming, harvesting, and meaningful discussions about food and livelihood—empowers students with knowledge, agency, and real-world skills. I’m deeply thankful for the way he connects education to identity, opportunity, and community."

MORE