Education advocate Manny Scoot empowers RCPS Convocation
by Jazmin Otey
Silence fell over the crowd as this troubling narrative was told to a prodigious group of teachers at the “Dream Big” Convocation 2018 program on Aug 15. Scott told this story not to frighten the teachers but to illustrate the trauma that many students may face while at home. He also wanted to convey that often times, members of the school staff may be a student’s last hope.
With Roanoke City Schools planning to become a trauma informed school district this 2018-19 school year, there couldn’t have been a more suitable guest speaker than Manny Scott.
From dropping out of school several times to being homeless, there was a time when Manny dreaded school. But through the collective guidance of many educators and staff members he was able to become who he is today. Not only is he now happily married, a PH.D. student, a father of three and a pilot, he is currently on the road 300 days a year and has spoken at 49 states and five continents. His speeches have helped prevent thousands of suicides and dropouts.
Furthermore, his narrative is told, in the 2007 film “Freedom Writers.” His story is most parallel with the character “Marcus,” an African American boy who had a troubled childhood.
The event was geared to inspire teachers in the Roanoke Valley to be the helping hands that guide children suffering with trauma–to break through and pursue their dreams, similar to the teachers that helped Scott.
“The collective work that you do changes the lives and makes dreams come true for many, many children,” Scott said. “No doubt you will be faced with challenges, but you are the right person at the right time to help Roanoke’s schools overcome these challenges.”
Roanoke City Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Rita Bishop, claims that the transition into a trauma informed school district may be one of the most important changes the city council has ever made and has potential to change the system forever if done right.
Mayor Sherman Lea emphasized the value of a teacher as well as the power that rests in their hands.
“The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows,” said Mayor Lea quoting journalist Sydney J. Harris. “I believe Roanoke schools are doing just that, they are holding up the mirror to show our students who they are and helping them identify their dreams.”
Mayor Lea continued to reflect on it by stating,
During the event, Jamie Nichols, a Lucy Addison Middle School 6th grade science teacher, was presented with an award for holding up that mirror to her students and for being a prime example of a teacher that helps her students “dream big.” She also received a $1,000 check from Hughes Associates Architects and Engineers.
During his speech, Scott claimed that due to the fact teachers are a mirror to their students, it’s important they establish a class curriculum that allows students to see themselves in it.
“You teach what’s important, what’s significant, what’s relevant not only by what you say and do or put on your syllabi, you also show what’s not important by what you don’t put in your syllabus,” Scott expressed. “I ask you in love, do all lives matter in your curriculum? If your kids can not see themselves. If they don’t see the rich, beautiful mosaic that is our country, you are saying to them they and people like them do not matter.”
He concluded urging teachers to have faith, even on their hard days, to keep pushing even when they want to give up because in many cases they may just be their student’s last light of hope.
“Even on your worst days you might be someone’s second or last chance, so I beg you to learn, to serve, to teach, to love, to hire like your life depends on it because your kids’ lives really do.”
