How We Made It
Standing on the Shoulders of Giants Dept.
As the 2023-24 academic year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting back on my own improbable 35-year career as a teaching artist, first as a Jazz music educator and later in educational technology.
Notably, I’ve never been a state-accredited, licensed teacher. What I did have however, was specialized knowledge which I could offer to educators and students in service to their educational goals. I was someone with a combination of artistic sensibilities and technical acumen with the ability to discuss, demonstrate and teach.
I got my first Macintosh computer in 1984 while doing residencies in Montana. I called it “the everything box” because it was an interdisciplinary tool that I could employ to assist teachers and students see their world in a more comprehensive, connected way. Heady stuff.
A tool to examine music and sound, history, science, creative writing and more were all there—10 years before The Internet was available to civilians. Innovation always has the potential to upend current curriculum. As mentioned earlier, I had no teaching credential but because I could describe, demonstrate and guide others into this new world, academic necessity opened up the path for me into the classroom.
In Jazz, the music world needed to know about the Charlie Parker Way. In technology education, everyone needed to know about The Macintosh Way. As providence would have it, I was placed in a position to represent for both.
Mentoring was key then and now.
Dr. James Bowman & Dr. Edward Easely.
Names in my personal pantheon. Unsung Heros. Beacons on a stormy sea.
I met Dr. James Bowman when I was freshman new to the North High School in 1964. He was my guidance counselor for most of my 4 years at North and between James and Mary Alice, my mother, I was in good hands when it came to preparation for a ‘meaningful future.’ They were all about staying focused on that future and avoiding what the French describe as distractions de jeunesse.
Thoughtful, patient and always challenging me to stay with it, Dr. Bowman’s guidance and Dr. Easely’s confidence always left me feeling like I could get it done. That it was my responsibility to get it done.
I only wish that more young men currently could have the kind of steady and consistent counsel that I enjoyed with Ed Easely and Dr. Bowman.
Today, after 12 years volunteering and working with middle- and high school age boys here in Des Moines, I can personally attest to the mentoring needs of public school students while the State of Iowa is, in the same moment, undermining support for public schools.
I’ve written here about my time at the Des Moines Register and Drake University. Thanks to the advice and counsel from elders like Ed Easely, Dr. Bowman, Dr. Stanley Griffin and his wife, the Iowa civil rights pioneer Edna Griffin, I felt prepared when an opportunity arose. In 1967, opportunity came in the form of a scholarship bestowed by the local chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha men’s fraternity.
Like my newspaper experience with Allen Ashby and The Iowa Bystander, it was local African American mentors who early on helped me develop my potential and for the opportunities in front of me.
Later in 1967, I learned that I was a candidate for what was called the Americare Scholarship. Sponsored by the American Republic Insurance Company, recipients would receive a full scholarship to Drake University and a job within the company. Again, I was positioned to accept such an award because mentors and parents were giving constant, helpful advice on a path to success.
It was my intention to offer support to a new generation of youth who need the same kind of attention and support that I was given. In 2009 I returned to Des Moines from California to began donating my services as a teaching artist at my alma mater North High. It was readily apparent that many of our students could use the same steady hand of counsel that I received at ages 14 through 17 at North High School with Dr. Bowman.
How I Feel a song written by the students Pa Cha Vang piano, Tyreece Smith lead vocal, Dajene Brown lyricist (whew!), Victor Gomez (guitar solo), horns by Scott Williams, Bridget Petersen and Alex Vocking, Forrest Mathison bass guitar, Mario Hernandez drums Note: They were all 12-14 years old at the time.
With the obvious diminution of Iowa’s support for its public school system, the problem is now in our faces and into your wallets as public coffers are now being raided to fund private schools.
I’ve recently completed a 12-year run as a teaching artist in middle- and high schools here in Des Moines. We’ve all observed the increasing amount of Statehouse opposition to public education. Systemic disrespect for education by this current crop of lawmakers (Yes, Republicans) has become a drag on every single member of the public education community including students, staff and admins.
1964 was no picnic for an African American boy but our challenges were balanced by the cadre of caring, wise, no-nonsense elders who kept eyes and ears out for all of us while our parents were dedicated to preparing us for the dynamic years ahead.
It might seem odd today, but none of us were questioning what we should be learning to prepare for our future. In the age before personal computers, there was general agreement about the importance of education and which strategies were generally successful. Our schools were well appointed, and the teachers fairly compensated. (somebody correct me if my rose-colored glasses of the past are askew.)
With that said, my Mom, still had to fight against the ‘soft bigotry of low expectations’ but once mom met with my teachers, they usually teamed up with her to keep me on the straight and narrow. Parental involvement was then, as now, the most important component in student success.
I know that public school teachers and admins appreciate hearing from constituents advocating for retention and strengthening of public schools and public institutions in general. At this time in history, I can’t say the same for a majority of lawmakers in this State.
To parents and those who love public education: Competition for the attention of law makers and school board members is fierce so be alert for opportunities to advocate. You’ll have to be patient, but not TOO patient because our children grow up very fast. It will take focus, and the ability to prioritize our efforts. Do we have a choice?
You’re telling your very personal story and applying your knowledge of history with compassion and the aim of improving the lives of all. You can’t do anything more. Bravo.
Thanks, it is and it was cathartic for several reasons. Iowa's educational collapse was in full swing and these kids were not going to be casualties if I could help. The main win was giving the families a look at what their young'uns were capable of. Can't buy that.