“And so for us right now, in urban spaces, in cities, we have a beautiful opportunity as a group of educators right now.”

Terris King, II

Founder, Temple X Schools and Baltimore Forest School, former Kindergarten Teacher

https://www.baltimoreforestschool.org/

“I’m all about birth to eight years old. I believe it’s the most important time of a young person’s life.”

In this week’s episode, Terris King II, founder of Temple X Schools and Baltimore Forest School, makes a bold case for reimagining early childhood education, especially for Black boys. A former kindergarten teacher shaped by faith, community, and mentorship, King has built a nature-based, trauma-informed model that moves children from screens to forests. Grounded in experiential learning and powered by public private partnerships, his work challenges the politics of traditional schooling and centers the sacred responsibility of getting the early years right.

“So for us, it is our responsibility to guard the children from the chaos, create joy pathways for experience that mobilizes them to know that, like, I am empowered.”

King shares how outdoor learning, participatory science, and community collaboration are transforming Baltimore by reducing crime, strengthening neighborhoods, and giving children real agency. From students speaking before lawmakers to partnerships with hospitals prescribing nature, his five-year-old movement is proof that innovation rooted in culture, faith, and joy can create systems change. For King, this moment is a beautiful opportunity for Black educators to lead boldly and build environments where children don’t just learn, but thrive.

“The future of education has got to be innovative.”

Tannette Elie

“I come from a family of educators and I never ever thought that I would be a teacher, never.”

Tannette Elie’s path to the classroom began as a longtime journalist and business columnist before transitioning into higher education. Now an adjunct associate lecturer at a Wisconsin institution, she turned a part-time teaching opportunity into a full-time calling, earning her master’s degree and bringing decades of real-world media experience into her courses. Her unconventional route and determination to navigate academia as a Black woman without a PhD shaped the confident, career-focused educator she is today.

“I don't treat them like they're just these students or kids; they're professionals to me.”
With 20 years of print media experience followed by 16 years in the classroom, Tannette approaches her communications courses like an editor, requiring rewrites, interviews, elevator pitches and emphasizing industry standards that prepare students for real careers in the field of communication. She is especially passionate about mentoring Black students, helping them build confidence, sharpen their skills, and access opportunities they may not have imagined for themselves. She also speaks about the declining presence of Black male students in her classes and the broader implications for Black education. Her legacy is rooted in representation, rigor, and results—ensuring her students leave not just inspired, but equipped to do amazing things.

“There is a special level of comfort and communication that happens between educators of color and students of color, and I have been privileged to experience that in every single space of my career.”

Ms. Tymia Morgan

ELA / IB Teacher, Teacher Mentor

“I'm proud of the way that I've been able to show up and be authentic and genuine in front of my students.”

Tymia Morgan brings 20 years of lived experience to the classroom as an IB English teacher, department lead, and mentor in Kansas City, Missouri. Raised in a family of educators (#shoutout to her mom’s 42-year career in education), Tymia’s path was shaped by strong Black teachers and a deep belief in representation. She shares how Black educators create spaces of trust, cultural understanding, and guidance that extend far beyond academics, helping students feel seen, safe, and capable.

“I really am excited for the community to really own education again, to make it more than just a school thing, to make it a home thing, to make it a church thing, to make it a community center thing.”

During our conversation, Tymia reflects on the realities of burnout, protecting one’s peace, and navigating systems that don’t always value Black women’s labor. She offers powerful stories of student joy, honest insights on mentoring with respect and transparency, and a vision for education rooted in community. Grounded in love, authenticity, and care, Tymia’s legacy is a reminder that showing up fully, with heart and honesty, is transformative for students and educators alike.