Every day this month, the Center for Black Educator Development, in partnership with Education Post and Philly’s 7th Ward, will highlight a Black Educator Hall of Famer.
But, don’t forget, e’ry month is Black History Month and February is just the Blackest. All year are ongoing opportunities to learn and teach and the colossal impact Black educators have had on society.
Today, our featured Black educator is Donald Gayton Phelps.
Donald Gayton Phelps was born on July 22, 1929, in Seattle, WA. He descended from one of the first Black settlers in Seattle’s history. As a child, he excelled in music. But he turned his attention and purpose to education. He received his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in education from Seattle University, and his doctorate in education from the University of Washington.
Phelps began his teaching career in 1960 teaching fourth, fifth, and sixth grades at Robinswood Elementary in Bellevue, WA. His level of excellence propelled him to the position of principal at the school, where he became the first Black principal in the history of Bellevue. He established one of the first continuous growth schools in the district of Bellevue and provided a curriculum in which students move ahead of their rates.
From there, Phelps served as principal of Bellevue Junior High School from 1967 to 1969, making him the first Black secondary school principal in the entire state of Washington. He ascended from principal to interim superintendent, serving with the Lake Washington school district. He then pivoted his career from K to 12 to higher education. In 1980, he became president of Seattle Central Community College, becoming chancellor in 1984.
Frustrated with the lack of money the state of Washington devoted to its community colleges, he moved to Los Angeles to serve as Chancellor of the Los Angeles Community College District. After, he became the W.K. Kellogg Regents Professor at the University of Texas, where he taught community college leadership and as the head of the University of Texas Men’s Intercollegiate Athletics Council.
In addition to all his work in education, Dr. Phelps utilized his passion for civil rights to serve as a radio commentator. He talked about civil rights and education issues on the Seattle radio and television station from 1968 to 1972. His work there built upon his passion as an educator and as an activist for the civil rights of all.
Wherever Dr. Phelps went, his contribution was felt.
His work in Seattle and throughout Washington helped promote the education of Black children and all children. It was said that Dr. Phelps took the Los Angeles Community College district through some of its most difficult times with wisdom and a strong will. It was also said of his work at the University of Texas that Dr. Phelps, loved children, and loved to work with athletics and that he would be missed.
Dr. Phelps’ legacy is one of dedication, innovation, and excellence. He is a bright example for all educators of black children to have; to be uncompromising, strong, willed, and multifaceted on behalf of the education of all.
Donald Gayton Phelps; a member of the Black Educator Hall of Fame.
For more information on Donald Gayton Phelps, visit the following site.
