In August, I took a leap of faith and decided to run for the Atlanta Board of Education. I attended Atlanta Board of Education meetings even as a teacher; I understood early on policies that impacted what happened in my classroom were being decided outside of my class and school. In 2008, I had the opportunity to work with and shadow the school board chairman at that time. He asked my feedback on programs that the board approved and wanted my perspective as a teacher. I decided that one day I might run for the Board of Education. The cheating scandal that rocked Atlanta Public Schools solidified my belief that board members must have a good understanding what is happening in schools and have the knowledge and experience to ask the right questions.
I had put running for the board at the back of my mind as I taught new subjects, transferred schools, took on new responsibilities, and life happened. I have had colleagues, friends, and professors encourage me to take the leap for several years. They have made sure I applied for various political training programs. When the opportunity to run for a seat being vacated by the incumbent came about, I decided to put myself forward to run for public office.
Running for public office has been interesting. However, I taught middle school; I don't scare easily. There is a lot of paperwork, mudslinging by opponents, lying, side deals, and the need to be everywhere at the same time. There has also been a great deal of support. Retired teachers rock! They always offer a word of encouragement when they find out I have taught. I have learned a lot about myself, Atlanta, and the political process. This has been the greatest professional development experience in my career in education yet!
www.marshforstudents.com
Jatisha,
ReplyDeleteTalk about job-embedded professional learning at it's best! I am so proud of you and your leap of faith to tackle an arena of education, most educators never enter. Reading information on your website marshforstudents.com about why you decided to run was extremely enlightening. It was refreshing to read about a candidate whose roots is within the educational realm. The need to have those who have walked in the steps of an educator making decisions for our students is extremely important. I am so proud of you and looking forward to your win!!
Jatisha,
ReplyDeleteI can only imagine the growth and learning that you are experiencing! Given your extensive background in education, wealth of knowledge, and experience as an educator and leader in the field of education, I think you have a lot to contribute with respect to moving Atlanta positively forward! I am happy you decided to take the leap and actually remember you mentioning wanting to do this back in Dr. Berry's Saturday class. Your reasons on why to run are sincere and a breath of fresh air!
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ReplyDeleteMarsh,
ReplyDeleteSuch as an honest and sincere reason to run for school board! I know you will do a great a job as you had achieved and excelled in all areas of your career ( I know cause I googled and read your bio when we started the program). I can't wait to you win, and you continue to build upon your legacy!
Thank your Gerard! I appreciate your kind words. Campaigning is tough. Encouragement goes a long way.
ReplyDeleteThe thought of running for city government has always been in a part of me. A long time ago, an evangelist told me when there is a burden there is a call. The cracked streets and dusty look roads in my city really irritated me. I felt my city should look as nice as the next. I called city hall; told them my request to improve the roads and in a month the crews were paving the streets and not just a block. I thought that was awesome. I want to do more to improve the quality of life for everyone in this area. If it's something you want to do, pray about it and your answer will come. Thanks for sharing.
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