Teacher By Teacher – Building Change With John B. King, Jr.

“Those of us who believe in and care about public education have to be loud about it…we have to push back on this climate that feels hostile to public education.”
– Former U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King, Jr.

Last week, Educators for Excellence (E4E) members had the unique opportunity to spend a virtual evening with former U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King, Jr. The conversation, moderated by New York elementary teacher April Rose—recipient of E4E’s inaugural Sydney Morris Activist of the Year Award—offered an intimate look at King’s remarkable journey from a troubled youth to President Obama’s Cabinet.

King shared more about his journey, which is detailed in his powerful new memoir, Teacher By Teacher. Far from just another political memoir, Teacher by Teacher is a heartfelt tribute to the incredible New York City Public School teachers who literally saved King’s life during his darkest moments.

The evening began with a fireside chat between King and E4E Co-Founder and CEO Evan Stone, followed by thoughtful questions from E4E educators across the country. In an extensive discussion, King shared his candid thoughts about topics ranging from better support for early-career teachers and educator diversity, to the Trump administration’s dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education and how his classroom experiences shaped his later development as an activist and leader.

Speaking in a poignant moment about how school felt like a safe place following his mother’s death, and later as a teenager, King said:

“I was lucky there were the right adults who intervened in my life at the right time…there were educators who believed in me and created spaces that allowed me to be successful. What drives me towards public policy activism is that it shouldn’t be just about luck. It should be that every young person gets the kinds of support and opportunities that I got.”

In another powerful exchange, Eli Levine, who serves on E4E’s National Teacher Leader Council (NTLC), asked, “Many aspiring teachers are watching their profession in public education come under attack. What would you say to the next generation of public school teachers to give them hope and help them see the value and power of their work?”

Former Sec. King responded, “Those of us who care about public education have to be loud about it…We have to tell the story of the difference that public education makes in people’s lives and communities and celebrate teachers. We have to push back on this climate that feels hostile to public education.”

The evening was filled with energizing discussion, reminding us that educators are healers, builders, and change agents. As we reflect on Teacher Appreciation Month, King’s advice and advocacy can encourage us in our unwavering belief in the power of teachers to transform this country.