The Alliance of Black Teachers Club (ABT) was founded in 2015 in the Department of English by students studying English Education. Their mission is to connect students to peers, professionals, organizations, institutions, and resources that support black students in the field of education and broaden the development, retention, and recruitment of black teachers. The ABT provides a safe space for students to openly talk and share issues of race.

Over the next three months, the ABT is hosting a series of presentations for all students, faculty, and staff (black and non-black) to gain varying perspectives on the topics of privilege and diversity.

Spring 2016 Meetings:

“Privilege” with Angela Jackson-Brown
Thursday Feb 25, 5-6 PM LB 269

Angela Jackson-Brown is an award winning writer, poet, and playwright who teaches creative writing and English at Ball State University in Muncie, IN. She is a graduate of the Spalding low-residency MFA program in Creative Writing. She is the author of the novel Drinking From A Bitter Cup and has published in numerous literary journals. Recently Angela’s play, Anna’s Wings, was selected to be a part of the IndyFringe 2016 DivaFest on April 2, 8, and 10th.

“Learning While Black: Realities, Challenges, and Opportunities” with Dr. Ruby Cain
Thursday March 17, 5-6 PM LB 269

Dr. Ruby Cain is an assistant professor of Adult and Community Education; Director of M.A. degree programs in Adult and Community Education and in Executive Development for Public Service; Director of Graduate Certificates in Adult Education and in Community Education for the Department of Educational Studies at Ball State University; and Director of It Is Well With My Soul, a community program focused on racial healing and equity.

Dr. Cain received her doctorate in Adult, Higher, and Community Education at Ball State University. Her research agenda encompasses transformative and collaborative online learning, racial equity, social justice, and community mobilization. She has presented and published her research findings locally, regionally, and internationally. She was co-author of the Education chapter of State of Black Fort Wayne 2003, used as companion text in educational foundations, sociology, and other college courses.

Cain embodies life-long learning because, “education is the key to self-enlightenment and community building: our responsibilities to ourselves and others.” She has more than sixteen years of higher education experience in curriculum development, administration, and teaching traditional, online, and hybrid courses. She holds three project management certifications and has more than 20 years of experience in developing and administering adult and continuing education programs at work and community settings.

“Creating Your Path to Success” with Crystal Thorpe
Monday March 28, 5-6 PM LB 112

Crystal Thorpe is the principal at Fishers Junior High School in the Hamilton Southeastern School District. This award winning principal is the first African American principal hired in Hamilton County, Indiana.  She began as a high school English teacher and served as an assistant principal in both MSD Perry Township and MSD Wayne Township. She earned her undergraduate degree from Indiana University, her master’s degree from Butler University, and is currently completing her PhD at Indiana State University in educational leadership. Her research focus is African American women and leadership opportunities (or lack thereof) in k-12 education. She is also the Principal-in-Residence at the University of Indianapolis.

“Recruiting Black Teachers to the Classrooms” with Rhonda Ward and Gerry Moore
Monday April 18, 5-6 PM LB 260

Rhonda Ward is an Assistant Principal at Muncie Central High School, and Gerry Moore is a Principal at Longfellow Elementary School (Muncie Community Schools).