“We cannot reach wireless students with landline instruction.” - Baruti Kafele
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ABOUT ME
ABOUT ME
As an Educator
I am dedicated to fostering an imaginative and innovative classroom experience, recognizing its critical role in student learning and development. By encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and meaningful self-expression, I aim to cultivate a dynamic environment where students feel inspired to think beyond conventional boundaries. This approach not only nurtures curiosity but also motivates students to take risks and explore new ideas. Through this framework, I strive to empower students to become lifelong learners, equipped with the skills and adaptability needed to succeed in the 21st century.
As an Administrator
My focus as an administrator is to promote a culture of collaboration and innovation across our schools. Collaboration brings teachers, students, staff, and stakeholders together, fostering teamwork to address challenges, share ideas, and support one another. This collective effort creates a growth-oriented learning environment where every voice matters, and active participation is encouraged. Innovation drives continuous improvement, whether through the integration of technology, the adoption of cutting-edge teaching methods, or other forward-thinking approaches. By emphasizing collaboration and innovation, my goal is to build an inclusive, thriving community where all individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered to learn and grow.
MY JOURNEY
MY JOURNEY
My path to higher education and professional growth has been anything but conventional. After graduating from DeWitt High School in 1994, I set out with the goal of earning a college degree, building a successful career, and becoming a millionaire by 30. I began my journey at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro with scholarships that fully funded my education. Once there, I found I enjoyed the college lifestyle ... but not college classes. I returned home after three semesters.
From 1995 to 1997, I worked at my family’s grocery store in DeWitt, where I stocked shelves, ran the cash register, and delivered groceries to those who couldn’t shop for themselves. In July 1997, I joined Riceland Foods, Inc., in Stuttgart as an oil loader operator. For nearly seven years, I worked in the hydrogenation plant, loading tanker trucks and railcars with processed cooking oil for major companies such as Tyson Foods, ConAgra, and Cargill.
During my time at Riceland, I began taking classes at Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas—Stuttgart campus. In January 2002, I enrolled full-time at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock while continuing to work the night shift (7 PM to 7 AM) to support my education. By 2003, I realized I needed to make significant changes to complete my degree and fulfill the teaching internship requirement. In November 2003, I left Riceland to focus on my final semester at UA Little Rock.
I took a job as an intake paralegal with a local law office, who generously accommodated my internship schedule. Their support allowed me to balance my work and academic responsibilities. On May 21, 2005, I achieved my goal, graduating from UA Little Rock with a bachelor’s degree in English/Language Arts and a minor in secondary education.
In August 2005, I began my teaching career at Stuttgart High School as an English teacher for grades 9–11. In 2007, I transitioned to the role of EAST facilitator, leading service-learning projects while still teaching English. As the EAST program grew, I shifted my focus entirely to service learning, teaching one period of English in the ALE program until 2019. That year, I began teaching computer science, immersing myself in the Java and Python programming languages to provide meaningful instruction to my students.
My commitment to learning has remained strong throughout my career. I earned a master’s degree in counselor education in 2017, obtained building-level administration certification in 2021, and completed doctoral studies in educational administration in 2022. These experiences have shaped my journey as an educator, mentor, and leader, and I am dedicated to fostering growth and innovation in education for both students and colleagues alike.
EDUCATION
University of Arkansas - Little Rock
Doctor of Education (2022)
Education Administration and Supervision
Building Level Administration (2021)
University of Arkansas - Little Rock
Master of Education (2017)
Counselor Education
University of Arkansas - Little Rock
Bachelor of Arts (2005)
English/Language Arts
PERSONAL LIFE
PERSONAL LIFE
I am a proud and loving husband to my incredible wife, Perri. Our family includes our three wonderful children, now 30, 24, and 19 years old. We have been blessed with five wonderful grandchildren who keep us moving.
In my free time, I enjoy sports, especially basketball, a sport that has taught me the value of teamwork and perseverance - lessons I bring to work every day. I cherish moments spent with my grandchildren, whether we’re playing games or simply enjoying each other’s company. Cooking is another passion of mine. I’m an avid reader, constantly seeking new knowledge to enrich my personal and professional growth. Writing code is a surprising yet fulfilling hobby that lets me challenge my mind and explore creativity in unexpected ways.
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