Black History Month 2025 | E4E-Chicago Educator Spotlight

1. Name: Jada Watson

2. Role: Special Education Teacher

3. E4E-Chapter: Chicago

4. Why is it important in 2025 to support Black educators in the classroom? 

It is crucial to support Black educators in the classroom because representation matters. By uplifting us in this space, we can better uplift our students in a world that too often does not support them.

Black students deserve to learn from educators who reflect their identities and experiences. Seeing Black teachers in the classroom allows them to envision their futures and believe in their potential. This system wasn’t built for them, but having a Black teacher from their neighborhood—someone who has walked the same path—shows them that success is within reach. If their teacher made it, so can they.

5. Who is a Black figure in your life that has inspired you?

Amanda Gorman is close to my age, and her journey to speaking at the 2021 Inauguration deeply inspired me. Her story proves that even at a young age, you can accomplish incredible things while still having so much life ahead of you. Opportunities come and go, but saying “yes” to just one can change your life forever.

6. What is your favorite quote from a Black figure in history?

“If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” – Shirley Chisholm