E’ry day this month, Philly’s 7th Ward, in partnership with the Center for Black Educator Development, will highlight a “Black Educator Hall of Famer.“ But, don’t forget, e’ry month is Black History Month. February is just the Blackest. Every day is an ongoing opportunity to learn and teach the colossal impact Black educators have had on society.
Joyce Marie Abbott
Joyce Marie Abbott was born and raised in (West) Philadelphia, PA. She is a product of the Philadelphia School District, graduating from Overbrook High School. She would also serve Philadelphia students, much as she did, for 37 years as a teacher. Her return to the school district of her youth to teach was unique, if not outright unconventional.
After earning a degree in business, Ms. Abbott served in the United States Army for 10 years as a soldier, earning the rank of Staff Sergeant. During her time in the army, she served a 10-month tour in the Persian Gulf War. She served honorably and was discharged as such, but her time illuminated to her superiors a light that deserved to be in front of students. She was selected as a candidate for a program that was the first of its kind.
The program was Troops to Teachers, helping service members and veterans become certified and employed as teachers in K-12 schools. After completing the program, Ms. Abbott became a teacher in the Philadelphia School District. Ms. Abbott spent a year at Shaw Middle School, then went to Hamilton, where she’s worked for 25 years. After serving as a sixth-grade teacher, Abbott became Hamilton’s dean of students and then climate manager, responsible for keeping the school safe and orderly.
Her initial years weren’t without challenges. Like any first- and second-year teacher, Ms. Abbott had to adjust. Her passion for young people and the community gave her the strength to continue doing the work. According to Ms. Abbott:
“At the onset of my journey, it was very difficult. I had 36 students my first year, very limited textbooks, several behavior problems, and in addition to several students academically challenged… I was an active community and the community that I taught in, so I understood the many challenges and obstacles within the community. So, it wasn’t just in my blood I had a true passion to help my community and make a difference.”
For her work in the classroom, Ms. Abbott has received numerous awards and commendations, including being recognized three times as a “Who’s Who Among America’s Finest Teachers” and named an “Everyday Hero” by the Philadelphia Daily News. However, her most notable honor was naming her years-long sitcom, Abbott Elementary, after her former student, actress, writer, and comedian Quinta Brunson, who was Ms. Abbott’s sixth-grade student.
Ms. Abbott exemplifies the essential role of Black teachers for all students, especially Black students. Furthermore, the “unconventional” path to teaching might actually be the best route. It doesn’t matter how you get there, only that you do. Ms. Abbott arrived with the right attitude — a genuine belief in her students.
“When you believe in them, you put in the work… It’s more than a job. You have to give these kids a chance if they want to make it out of neighborhoods. The only way is for them to be educated.”
Joyce Marie Abbott, a member of the Black Educator Hall of Fame.
Happy Black History Month and make sure to read up on Joyce Marie Abbott, a member of the Black Educator Hall of Fame.
