“I’ve realized that the impact of black males in any education is tremendous.” Dr. Albert Sanders

Welcome to Navigate STL Schools, a podcast.  

Today’s guest is Dr. Albert Sanders, a Pre-K teacher in the St. Louis Public schools, where he has been teaching for 22 years. Dr. Sanders received the 2019 Missouri Regional Teacher of the year award, and he holds a Doctorate of Education. In this episode, Dr. Sanders sits down with Staci to discuss the importance of equitable early childhood education, universal Pre-K in the United States, and what St. Louis parents need to know when searching for the best quality Pre-K program for their child. 

They discuss:

• Dr. Sanders’ personal k-12 experience
  • Attended St. Louis public schools for one year, then transitioned into the desegregation program.
  • Through the desegregation program, he attended Affton school district from 1st grade through graduation. 
• Work and inspiration
  • Dr. Sanders is a black male Pre-K educator in the St. Louis Public Schools.
  • His source of inspiration is the families and students he serves. 
• Unexpected encounters in early childhood education 
  • Sanders spent eight weeks as a student teacher in an urban setting and then in a suburban school. After his time as a student-teacher at the SLPS, a little cry cried when she learned he was leaving. That’s what showed him where he was supposed to be.
• Universal Pre-K
  • The benefit to universal Pre-K is that we know that all students will be ready for kindergarten.
  • One of the downfalls of implementing universal Pre-K is that it will negatively impact the locally run childcare centers that offer quality programs. 
• Defining quality Pre-K and vision for the future of early childhood education in St. Louis
  • Quality Pre-K programs provide an environment where families and kids feel comfortable. 
  • The skills and resources needed in early childhood education are not just academic; they are also social.
  • It is essential to have an equitable system where parents know that their children will receive quality Pre-K education no matter where they live in the region. 
• Experience as a black male educator in a public school district
  • People are amazed and thrilled to have a black man in early childhood education. 
  • A black child who has a black male education is more likely to graduate high school.
  • It’s essential that in elementary school, children see teachers who look like themselves.
• Greatest challenges facing parents and students in St. Louis
  • Some naysayers don’t believe that the St. Louis Public Schools are where they need to be.
  • Dr. Sanders believes that parents and students are enjoying their experience in the St. Louis Public Schools.
  • The news is not highlighting all the positive things happening in the district. 
  • Currently, in St. Louis, about 40% of families have access to Pre-K. This is the challenge.
• What should parents consider when choosing a Pre-K school for their child?
  • Always visit the schools you’re considering, and make sure you and your child feel comfortable there. 
  • The goal is to make sure that students want to come to school. 
  • It’s essential to have trusting relationships between parents and teachers. 
• Hope for Pre-K education in St. Louis
  • The state is on board and dedicated to early childhood learning. The state’s buy- in will lead to additional funds going towards Pre-K programs.
  • There are new and different players in St. Louis who are working towards creating more available and equitable seats in public Pre-K programs. 
• What can different organizations, like Navigate STL schools, do to support families?
  • Nonprofit organizations in St. Louis need to visit the early childhood learning centers.
  • Nonprofits can talk to parents to gather more data on private Pre-K options available in St. Louis
  • It’s important for parents to understand what programs are out there, and if they’re offering quality early childhood education.

Resources:

• Navigate STL Schools Website