PUBLISHER’S NOTE

MESSAGE FROM THE PUBLISHER

sending the message…

It’s hard to believe, but this is our 5th year publishing TEACHERS OF COLOR Magazine.   A magazine that was conceived from an idea of helping bring a “new professionalism” to the monumental job of teaching our children.  So many people and special organizations come to mind as I now think of how fortunate we have been to be able to produce a magazine that inspires and speaks to those special people who want to become ‘the best’ teachers ever.

It starts with our contributors who write with so much passion on many of the issues that influence the make-up of a great teacher.  Many times, they have picked up a copy of the magazine, read it and understood what we are trying to accomplish. Then, they quickly contacted us to find out how they could be a part of what we are doing.

Just as importantly, I think of our advertisers who are not only recruiting but who have included us in their comprehensive plans of hiring highly skilled teachers from diverse backgrounds. They share with us their commitment to select teachers who are prepared to teach students of diverse backgrounds, in very challenging and competitive environments. And, of course, I think of our readers who are preparing themselves for a career in one of America’s most important fields. These readers have embraced our publication and shared it with their peers. So often they email us their heart-felt testimonials on how TEACHERS OF COLOR Magazine has personally helped them.

You don’t have to take my word for it, just read the except below from just one such letter sent to us. It has given us the momentum to publish TEACHERS OF COLOR Magazine for many years to come.

relevance…

Dear Publisher,

… I was fortunate to examine the Fall 2010 issue of your magazine.  It was at this time that I recognized just how valuable this multifaceted magazine can be for all concerned with education.  I shared the one copy of the magazine which I borrowed with a few of my students;  Immediately, they wanted to know how to acquire a personal copy.  You will be pleased to know that each student with whom I shared the magazine was eager to have a turn taking the magazine home overnight for a closer reading.  I am comfortable to assert that the magazine offers valuable and timely information on an array of timely topics.  Moreover, the content is a rich supplement relative to topics studied from required course textbooks and periodicals.  The magazine brings many critical issues to life in an easy-to-read and inviting format.

The mere title of your publication Teachers of Color reminds me of the pervasive need to expand this population of educators in the U.S.  There is a dire need to increase the number of males in this population.  Clearly, your magazine is fulfilling an important role as a key informational resource for all who are interested in teaching and learning outcomes for k-12 students (pre- and in-service teachers and the general population at-large.)  I genuinely believe that this resource can also serve as an excellent recruitment tool because it offers a realistic yet inviting portrayal of varying facets of teaching…

Sincerely,

Vivian H. Hampton, Ph.D.

North Carolina A & T State University