NaShonda Cooke is a teacher at the Durham, North Carolina public schools, the director of Men of Honor, and MomsRising volunteer.
NaShonda Cooke
Blog Post List
May 14, 2018
It’s crazy to think that after more than 18 years in the classroom and being involved directly in the education and lives of over 500 children, I have to take time off to bring attention to the state of education in North Carolina. It's not just me; two-thirds of NC’s school districts have already declared May 16th an unscheduled teacher’s workday in order to allow educators to advocate for every child in this state. What’s the big deal? I’m glad you asked. Over 14,500 teachers are expected to respond to that question on May 16th, the day state legislators return to the NC General Assembly...
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July 5, 2016
"Ms. Cooke, the team has concluded its assessments and observations and we have come to the conclusion that your daughter NaVia fits the criteria for our exception needs program as a child with Autism." At least that's what I think they said. All I remember that late spring day in 2011 was "your daughter...Autism". How did I miss this? Me, a veteran educator, Master's degree, National Board Certified, and more importantly currently a teacher of students with Autism. But I completely missed my own daughter's obvious place on the spectrum. Let's go back even further. June 2007, I gave birthday...
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February 24, 2016
Of course Black History Month is important to me. I’m an African American woman who just happens to be a mother and an educator. So, in a sense every day is possible for me because of Black History. I have a responsibility to continue the tradition of passing down knowledge to my children as well as to my students who eventually become my children. There’s much to learn from the past struggles and accomplishments of Black History. The world can become a better place for all of us, if we take heed in what the lessons are. My calling is to make sure that happens. When I was a little girl, my...
MomsRising
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