We continue our PRIDE series, celebrating educators who are LGBTQA+ and PROUD, serving as models and advocates for their students. In this final installment, we meet Theresa Hopkins. LGBTQA+ Advocate. Arts Teacher. Artist. Awesome. Hailing from St. Louis, Missouri, Theresa is a long time educator, who has been validating and affirming her students since the first day she walked into the classroom, over 25 years ago. She is always taught in African American students in Title 1 schools. Theresa has run the Art Academy for over 10 years. Most importantly, Theresa has been authentic with who she is not only as an educator but as a person. It has not been easy and took her a while to come to it. You want to hear how she did it - a most fascinating, inspiring, and empowering journey to responsiveness. See her on Instagram at Art Academy @jeffersonartacademy; art gallery @ellipsisstudiostl; her artist page @rychus_artis. And don't forget Dr. Hollie's two cents, as he reminds us of the purpose and importance of advocacy.
Learn more about CLR and Dr. Hollie at www.culturallyresponsive.org and Twitter @validateaffirm