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Tacoma resident Deb Blakeslee is one of LEV’s Key Activists. A passionate advocate for education, Deb has been interviewing parents, educators and activists about issues surrounding schools and kids. As she says, she is only one person, but she is on a mission to transform our state’s schools. That passion led to the creation of the “What Can I Do?” podcast series.
As a first generation college graduate, Chris knows first hand the transformative power of education to lift families out of poverty. While in college, she earned a double major in education and sociology and spent the early years of her professional life teaching and coaching. For some inexplicable reason, Chris thought it would be more fun to pick fights with the man, and turned her attention to advocacy.
Latest Episodes
Versa Alexander
June 27, 2011 (34:53)
Versa Alexander, a 33-year veteran teacher/counselor and lifelong NAACP member, doesn’t understand where the achievement gap comes from – she believes all kids can succeed regardless of anything. Instead of pointing blaming fingers, Versa is closing the educational opportunity gap for “10 little people” at Tacoma’s Gray Middle School by tutoring them once a week. “Kids didn’t fail in my class. I would reteach and retest until they got what it was I was trying to teach. It takes parents and teachers. You can’t do it alone.”
Corinne Patten
June 20, 2011 (14:27)
Corinne Patten is a PTA legislative chair at her children’s schools. After hearing rumors that some teachers were troubled by some elements in the PTA’s legislative agenda, Corinne reached out to understand their concerns – and to put the “T” back in PTA.
Transcript available
Jessica Hatley
June 13, 2011 (35:01)
Former gang groupee, Jessica Hatley, mother of a toddler and high school student, struggled to find a good home for her family and a good school so her bright high school daughter could be successful. Jessica is still trying to find the right education answer for her daughter’s quick learning style. Jessica has moved several times, to flee domestic violence situations, to find a better school system or to accommodate her fluctuating financial status. She placed her daughter into online learning situations hoping to improve her learning experience. Jessica is doing everything she can to be a good model for her kids. She will continue to advocate for a better school system, hoping that things change by the time her toddler enters public school.
Transcript available
Melvin Tate
June 07, 2011 (51:02)
Melvin Tate, retired educator and administrator, formed PAID – People Advocating Involvement in Democracy. As an administrator hired to address issues of diversity in Kent School District, Melvin tells when he first realized how important it is to have people of color and women at the table where decisions are made that affect their lives. Melvin talks about the courageous conversations that had to take place to create change and the importance of an organized community to influence superintendents, principals, and school board members.
Transcript available
