Cultural Curriculum Chat with Jebeh Edmunds

Season 3 Episode #1: My conversation with Instructional Coach Mrs. Nita Creekmore

• Jebeh Edmunds

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On today’s episode I  chat with Instructional Coach Mrs. Nita Creekmore. Nita lives just outside Atlanta, GA. In the 18 years she has been in education, she truly believes that in all aspects of the field, relationships must always come first. She has obtained a Bachelor’s in English, Master’s in Elementary Education an Educational Specialist in Supervision & Leadership. 

Nita is married to Michael Creekmore, Jr. and has four children. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family and friends,  attending her kids activities, practicing yoga and relaxing with a good book. 


You can find more information about Nita Creekmore below:
https://love-teach-bless.com/

Nita Creekmore on Instagram @loveteachbless



Books Nita Creekmore Suggested: 

Street Data by Shan Safir & Jamila Dugan

https://us.corwin.com/en-us/nam/street-data/book271852



Literacy is Liberation by Kimberly Parker

https://www.ascd.org/books/literacy-is-liberation?chapter=acknowledgments-literacy-is-liberation

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Jebeh:

All right. Hello everyone. This is Jebeh Edmunds here, and welcome again to the Cultural Curriculum Chat podcast, where I teach you multicultural educational strategies and best practices. So I'm here to introduce to you today in the guest chair. Mrs. Nita Creekmore. And I tell you, she's my diverse book bestie in my

Nita:

head. Oh, I'm so excited to have her on the

Jebeh:

show. I love that. So thank you. So lemme give you a little background audience before we chat with Nita. Nita Creekmore is an instructional coach. Who lives just outside Atlanta, Georgia. In the 18 years she has been in education, she truly believes that in all aspects of the field, relationships must always come first. She's obtained a bachelor's in English, master's in elementary education, and also an educational specialist in supervision and leadership. Nita is married to Michael Creekmore, Jr. And has four children. In her free time. She loves spending time with her family and friends, attending her kids activities and practicing yoga and relaxing with a good book. Nita believes that building relationships is foundational, the importance of self-care and the impact of diverse read alouds on students of all ages and backgrounds to transform the world. And I am so excited for this transformational chat y'all, Oh, thank you. Thank you. Welcome, Nita, welcome to

Nita:

the show. Thank you, Jebeh. I'm so excited to be here. Thank you for having me and asking beyond, and talking and chatting all the things I love, so I appreciate that. Thank you

Jebeh:

for having me. Aw. Oh, the pleasures all mine. So yes. Give our audience your background, in multicultural education.

Nita:

Yes. Yeah. I started, well, I, I think it began even before like I started. When I was like learning as a student, a student teacher, um, and I started collecting lots and lots of books, the books that I could get my hands on and back. I say back then, I'm 43, so it was like in 1998, there really weren't a ton of books, you know, um, that. I began to like really engulf in. Cause I really think a lot of multicultural education is through learning history is through that. But I think the connection is like literacy is the books that helps us to learn. Um, and so like even then, like I was like, oh my god, Debbie Allen wrote a book on dancing with wings and like, you know, those are some of the beginnings. I was like, oh, and some of the rich, rich, rich, um, illustrations that would go along with that too. So even then, was my journey along the way. So as I was learning to be a teacher, as I was learning to be an educator, I was also engulfing myself in children's literature. That was one of my favorite classes, that I took in, like really looking at and really diving into critically looking at children's books and children's literature, like literature. And so as my journey went on, I would engulf those. In my day to day as a teacher, um, and engulf it into interdisciplinary studies, like into science, into social studies, and, and it was one of those things that I felt like, oh, I, I feel like this. all my kids need to be seen. Right. Of course. I love to see myself in books because that's not something that I grew up with. Mm-hmm. But, um, my mom would gimme the books that, that, you know, um, it was one that was a folk tale book and I can't think, Virginia Hamilton and she got me that, you know, those books, you know, and those had like, people could fly. Yeah. Yeah. So she would bring those, she would bring those home. I'd be like, oh, you know, engulfing myself in those. But at the time, you know, I think I was little and there weren't a lot of books that, you know, I was represented in during that time. Um, so just in that like, just in threatening that throughout just me being a teacher and wanting to learn about my students and their identities and where they came from and wanting to value them and celebrate them, it was one of those things that just became what I do, you know, just what I do each. Yeah. Yes. Love. That's, that was my, I love my story and like into multicultural, just

Jebeh:

education. Yeah. And just like you were saying too, Nita, just that spark that opened, like, wow, that representation is me on the bookshelf, but who else can I invite into my classroom that represents all the kids, because mm-hmm. you know, the eyes. Students when they see themselves, they sit up a little taller, you know? Mm-hmm. and they can grab that book off their shelf when they're doing their read alones and they can sit up and learn more about their groups of other groups of people. That's just awesome. Awesome. Absolutely. Absolutely. So also too Nita, um, even being, like you said, we're about the same age, so I mm-hmm. I'm right there with you with the small minutiae of representation of, you know, African American children's literature. Mm-hmm. what have you noticed now, um, in this push for more multicultural,, literature in our classrooms? What have you noticed now?

Nita:

So the first thing I've noticed is that there's still tons of work to be done, right? Yes. When you, so I feel like so much work has been done, and I, and I collect all these books and I have books all over my house. and when the studies are shown, right, the data is shown. It's still not enough, right? It's still not enough. Um, so, but what I've noticed in that. Including multicultural education and making sure that it's not just something that we add onto the plate. This is the plate, it's the thread, right? It's the thread that builds our kids' confidence. It's the thread that allows our kids to say, Ooh, me too. Right? That's the thing that is like, oh, me too. Or, you know, when you think about, and one thing. There's one lesson that I always think about, and it's done in third grade here in Georgia and it's colonialism, right? Mm-hmm. and it's a lesson I see often and I'm always, thinking really critically in asking critical questions to spark this in. Educators is. Okay. I see you dressing up and your colonial this and your hats and your, and your aprons and your this, and you're that. And you're having fun and you're making butter and you're doing that and you're showing one aspect of what was going on during that time, right? Yes. What other voices. What other cultures, what was happening during that time, right? Mm-hmm. with native peoples, indigenous peoples. Mm-hmm. what was happening where, where am I? Where are my people? Where are my ancestors? Where what's happening with them during that time while you're turning the butter? Okay. Mm-hmm. And so those are things that I'm thinking of when I'm thinking of lessons, because guess what? I was a seven year old, eight year old in that classroom learning this colonial, right? Mm-hmm. time period. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Yes. And I'm think. great. Where's my people at? Mm-hmm. what, what was happening with them? And so that is the, those are the tickets for multicultural education. And so the thing is, is where am I seen in this? And if you, if you teach students that are, like your majority of your classes, say, identify as white. Mm-hmm. That's still learning experiences for them too, right? Yes. Who's, voices aren't being taught, whose voices aren't being heard. And, and go find the literature, go find the book. Mm-hmm. go find, you know? And so do that work, because when you do that, it connects the kids to other cultures, other worlds, and it teaches them how to be human, human beings, right? Yes. Empathetic human beings. Yes. And so that's, that's a lesson that always sticks out in my. Yes. It's like, where are the other?

Jebeh:

Where are the people? The other voices? Yes. And do you also recognize too, Nita, in when I was in the classroom, I felt there was this hesitation from the teachers in the majority, who identify as white culture of, well that was such a hard time. I said, but you need to, like you said, Nita, where am I? Where are my people at this time in history? And I always told, Fifth grade students when we talked about European contact in our social studies series in Minnesota was, you know, we need to talk about the multiple lenses and the different voices at that time to get the whole picture of what it is. Yeah, because like you said, that danger, um, was it Chimamanda man and Ngozi Adiche said the danger of a single story? Absolutely. And I feel like a lot, you know, a lot of us educators. We're scared to rock the boat, but we know that boat is there and we know the waves are there. So, like you said, be besides just churning butter, we have to have that conversation and I think our students can handle it. Mm-hmm. if you have it in a compassionate, empathetic way for them to understand, you know?

Nita:

Mm-hmm. Absolutely. And, um, something I was gonna say while you were talking and thi something that jogged my mind too, is that teachers have to. Kind of get out of their comfort zone. Yeah. It might make you a little uncomfortable to have that conversation. And so practice with other colleagues. So this is where I, like, I, I put kind of leaders in the organizations as well, is that, you know, this is, this should be the work, right? This should be the work. And so if it, this is the work and let's, I'm assuming positive intent, right? We're all saying that this is the work practice, these conversations have, these have your teachers get ingroups and practice having some of these lesson studies and, and getting used to having the conversation with each other, right? And so then I'm like, I'm used to having this conversation whose voices aren't heard, do some research together for some lessons whose voices aren't. How do we do this research? Where do we find this research? How do we know this is credible? How do we know these books are credible? Right? Yes. And so we, you do those types of professional learning in your staff meetings and your professional learning. So then when your teachers go out, in front of kids, in front of students, they're equipped to have these conversations. Yes. And so I, I think that's some of the issue is like, get used to having these hard conversations mm-hmm. amongst each other in the educational community. And then when you can, when you go in front of your students, you can have these conversations and not feel, um, I, I call it sweaty pits or like, you feel uncomfortable. Your hands are all, I mean, kids can, you know, They, they can sense it. They're like, oh no, Ms. Creekmore is nervous to have this conversation. Yes. Um, but like, you know, you feel more equipped to have this conversation. Yes. And then you also, when you have a, a hard time having this conversation with these conversations, you have a buddy across the hall that you've done this work with. Right? Yes. And so you have someone saying, Hey, you know, I had this conversation and this student asked this question and I don't know how to answer it, right? Yes. Um, and if you build a community there, a community of the work, of the work, that should be the foundation.

Jebeh:

Yes. And I, I love how you said that the practice, you know, we're always modeling as educators how to perform and, and do the content in an actionable way. Mm-hmm. but we also have to turn it in on ourselves too, to do the practice. And I think what you said, Nita, was very important because a lot of us. When we get the sweaty pits and we get nervous is because we didn't practice, you know? Mm-hmm. or it's, um, you know, oh, it's black history month, let's get out the tub. It's like, I'm still black all year. We can do this all year, all year. We can incorporate it in science and in math, and, you know, and it is, and I. Feel like a lot of us educators, you know, we want to have that time and breath, but we don't have this. We're trying, and I feel like, you know, to urge them to practice with your teammates. Practice bounce off ideas. Because as educators, we want our students to be critical thinkers. We do. But if we can't do the critical thinking, how are they supposed to intern do that, you know?

Nita:

Yeah. Yeah. So, yes, I'm saying yes, yes, yes. Like inside I'm like, yes, And then I'm thinking too, we're learners, ourselves. I'm still learning. I, there are so many cultures out there that I'm still learning about, right? And so modeling that, learning one in community with other educators saying, yes, I know a lot about black folks cause I'm black, right? Mm-hmm. but I'm still learning about other cultures, right? I'm still learning about other worlds. And so, Modeling that because then I feel like that allows everyone to see each other as human. Like there's sometimes that I get it wrong too, right? Yes. And there's sometimes that I have to pull back and say, Ooh, I didn't get it right that time. Mm-hmm. And I have to relearn and unlearn and also tap into other people and their cultures and learn from them. And I think that's, What happens here, and yes, I'm black, but that doesn't mean I'm like, one, I know black people, but I don't know. We're not a monolith, right. So, exactly. Yeah. We're still learning each other, and so I just, I, I think that once we realize that we're all learners and the work is ours together in community and collectively, then I think that then the work is threaded then we're together in this. And I think that's some of the, some where division lines and,, you. I'm rooted in love, I'm rooted in compassion. And I just feel like once we get that together in community, we can, we can thrive together. And then our, when we thrive together, our students will thrive, you know?

Jebeh:

Oh, definitely. And yes, please share with our audience your Love, Teach Bless brand. I mean, I love um, your tagline. It says, inspired educators. Inspire educators, you know? Mm-hmm. I mean, that's how we thrive in this educational space. It's like, Ooh, I found this resource I'm always willing to share, you know? And yeah, and when you get that spark, it just, you relive that enjoyment. So please share with us. I just love your, platform of this love, teach, and bless.

Nita:

Yes. Yeah, so I, I started this when I was like, still in the classroom. I was still in education. I taught for 13 years and I started just sharing fun things. Things that I felt like inspired me, in my journey. And so when I came up with a tagline that inspired educators, inspire educators, it really was from a community standpoint. Like in the sense of like, because I'm inspired, I can maybe light up a spark that may have been dim in you, right? Because I'm so inspired. Sometimes when I'm dimming my journey, someone else who has a spark helps the life flare that up in me, right? And then it helps me to get inspired. And I think, I feel like that's what education and educators is about, is that sometimes my life may not always. be lit right? Mm-hmm. Sometimes I need someone else in community who's, whose light is lit to be like, fire it up for me a little bit. And once I see that in that you're inspired, I'm like, ok, lemme get on this bandwagon again. You've kinda lit something in me. And so that kinda is what started my journey of Love Teach Bless. And I just feel like when I de decided with a Name of Love, teach Bless one, I'm rooted in love always. I really try to root in love always. I really try to assume like positive intent. when there's times when I have to call in. I do it in love. Like in love. Then when I teach, I'm always a teacher. Like I always am a teacher. I'm an instructional coach, and I'm always an educator, always educating, always an educator. I feel like I've been in this game. I mean, this is what my 18th year in education and it's just a part of me. So even though I'm a coach, I left teaching and I tell people this at a. I was at a high, so like my light was lit. And I tell people all the time, when you're in a shift, when you're in a shift and you're shifting from a role to role. So whether I'm shifting from teacher to principal, teacher to vice principal, teacher to instructional coach, do it at a time where your light is still lit because. You're not, you go into that space, so ready because you and I tell you people all the time, like, I missed being a teacher. I love being a coach. But there were times in my teachers I'd be like, Ooh, I need to get in somebody's classroom. Lemme get in your classroom. Let me, I need this. Cause it, cause my light was already always so lit. When I see an awesome lesson from my teacher, I'd be like, oh my goodness. Like it would just spark so much in me. And, that's where the teacher comes from. And blessed is like, I hope that what I share. Always is a blessing to others. There's so many times that people are such a blessing to me, and I feel like it's, it's like the flow of water. It's like one of those things that's like, you're a blessing to me. I hope I bless you. And so like, it's one of those things and that's kind of where Love Teach Bless came from and then that from that, it just birth something completely incredible. It's something that is my passion and my joy. I. So many amazing people through, my social media and through the work that I've been doing, through Love, teach Bless, including you, Jebeh. And so, like, I just, you know, it's one of those things that it's, it's been a blessing to my life. And so, everything I do, everything I do is one of those things that's not calculated. I, people always ask me, how did you grow your account? How did you do this? And I would love to say like, there's like some like magical puzzle that I put together. I just was my authentic self. Like I just posted things and put things online that like. Meant a lot to me, meant a lot to the people that I've been in contact with, whether it's my students or other teachers, or the community that I serve. And yeah, that's just, that's been my journey.

Jebeh:

Love that. And yes, that's how I found you on Instagram because you look like me. You have this bright, energetic personality, and thank you. You're seven pages. I mean, you inspired me to find books for me to put on my YouTube channel to read and share with others. Yay. And record and share with my teacher friends. And, and so thank you for doing that because like you said, You are a blessing to us educators of Thank you showing and, and you're welcome. Love. It's from the bottom of my heart because like I said, you are like my book bestie, like you showed this reel the other day where you've got all these stacks of books stack one through five and, and I'm like, that's me. I feel seen

Nita:

like I cannot leave

Jebeh:

a book. Store without books, you know? And I'm like, my husband Andy is just like, oh gosh, you know, he knows when I buy more, where are we gonna put this? I'm like, it's for work You know? Yeah. So it's Yeah, I just feel seen when I saw you post that. I was like, yep, that's my life. Yep. I feel seen, you know, Yeah. So thank you. Oh my gosh, this has just been an amazing chat, Nita. and please don't hesitate I will definitely put your information in the show notes so everyone can also follow your love teach Bless journey as well. Thank you. And, um, just before we go, Any other tips that you have for us educators on this multicultural? Social justice and education space that we're in right now.

Nita:

I, I would do wanna share some books. I would be remiss if I didn't share some books to help out with that. So one book that I've just been really loving so much is Literacy is Liberation. I don't know if you have this book. It's by Kimberly Parker. And it's working toward justice through cultural re relevant. And there's some questions in there that you can ask, you know, if you're, if you should teach this text. And it, it's just a really, really good book. Another one that I always wanna share,, is Street Data is another amazing good book. And the reason why I wanna share street data, is by Shane, Safir, and, Jamila, I think it's Duggan. I'm sorry if I say your name wrong. But it says, Radically imagine, reimagine how you take data and what data you take for your students and, and that's just centering equity. And so like, yes. The reason why I share those two books is because a lot of times when we are taking data and when we're doing tests and we're assessing students, we're looking at that data through one lens. Mm-hmm. And so when you're thinking about multicultural education or you're thinking about finding students genius and you're thinking about finding out where their growths are, you have to reimagine. Right. How we look at data, how we take data, whose data are we really taking, right? Mm-hmm. And so those are things that I think that, are really important when you think about multicultural,, education. Those are, those are some co a couple of new books that I've just recently come out that, um, I would definitely say. And then of course, Loretta Hammond, I mean, she's the guru of like, Um, like cultural relevant teaching, like we'd have to go back to her as well, uh, culturally teaching in the brain. And so, yeah. So those are some books that I would definitely you wanna learn more. Um, if your audience, I mean, your audience wants to learn more about it, and I know you're well versed already, but like those are some books that have really yes, like, we need this in education. And just to reimagine what education can look like, not just for the majority, but for, the, you. It's the world majority I would

just

Jebeh:

say. And that's what equity is all about, you know? Yes. For exactly for the, everyone that fits everyone's needs at that time. Exactly. That's amazing. Uh, mm-hmm. Nita, it's just been a blessing to have you in the guest chair and Oh, thank you. Audience, please follow. Ms. Nita Creekmore on Love, teach Bless on Instagram, and I will have more details in the show notes where you can follow her journey. All right, thanks everyone, and have a wonderful day.