Ford served as the 2014-15 North Carolina Teacher of the Year. He taught World History and Sociology at Garinger High School in Charlotte, NC starting in 2010. He began his teaching career in Rockford Public Schools in Rockford, Illinois. Ford earned a bachelor of science in mass communication from Illinois State University in 2003 and a master’s degree in teaching from Rockford University in 2009. Ford recently completed his certification in educational leadership from Wingate University.
Before deciding to become a teacher, Ford’s early career cemented his connection to children and youth. He worked as a truancy intervention specialist in high schools and director of a teen center that provided educational and after-school activities for youth at risk of dropping out of school. He considers his work to be his “life-calling” and has dedicated himself to serving his community through education. Ford is a husband, father, educator, activist, minister and musical artist. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Ford was also recognized as Charlotte Magazine’s Charlottean of the Year, and the National Alliance of Black School Educators’ Teacher of the Year.
Following Ford’s presentation, there will be a panel discussion and a community engagement activity.
The Blue Ribbon Commission is diverse group of Edgecombe County stakeholders tasked with collaborating with the broader community to make informed recommendations to the Edgecombe County Board of Education and Central Services staff about district priorities over the next several years.
“The purpose of the commission is to define the future we imagine for our students and learn about opportunities and challenges we face in pursuit of that vision, specifically in the areas of equity; educating the whole child; and attracting, retaining, and developing human capital,” said ECPS Superintendent John Farrelly.
“The BRC is a critical part of our work to re-imagine what school looks like in ECPS. Over the course of the next 5-6 months, in addition to these community conversations, we will also be organizing discussions with educators throughout the district, as well as other stakeholders, to solicit additional input into the vision and direction of ECPS,” added Farrelly.
The commission members include students, parents, teachers, principals, and board of education members. Business, faith-based, and non-profit leaders are also members of the BRC, in addition to General Assembly representatives.
Community members are also invited to attend the following school-based meetings:
Tuesday, April 11, 2017 - Tarboro High School - topic: Talent/Human Capital
Tuesday, May 9, 2017 - SouthWest Edgecombe High School - topic: Educating the Whole Child
All meetings will begin at 6:30 p.m.
“After each meeting, BRC members and other interested community members are invited to visit ECPS schools to see firsthand the innovative work happening across the district,” said Erin Swanson, ECPS Director of Innovation.
For more information about the Blue Ribbon Commission on Educational Equity, please contact Swanson at [email protected] or 252-641-2600.