"I pride myself on being authentic in front of our students. I believe that the way I engage with them — honestly and transparently — helps build their self-esteem and confidence. When students feel they can trust their teachers, they feel empowered to succeed.

I graduated high school with honors, yet I was placed in a pass/no-credit math course in college, simply because the system had failed to properly prepare me. That experience fueled my passion for change and my drive to ensure that all students, especially those from marginalized communities, are not only seen but valued for who they are.

I come from a community where everyone’s a revolutionary, and we always question: how can we be doing revolutionary work if we’re failing children? That’s what made me get into education. I wanted to make sure that the kids I serve know they are valued, no matter their circumstances or background.

I think it’s inherently biased to assume that Black and brown people need to conform to a certain standard of behavior or intelligence in order to be considered ‘smart.’ We must dismantle that and create an environment where students can be their authentic selves and excel on their own terms.

The adults need to do the work. I believe that if the adults in a child’s life can resolve their own issues and show up in a better way, it will directly impact the child’s growth. Our kids need to see that we are constantly learning and improving, too.

I want children to leave with the necessary tools to compete and be successful in their next venture, whatever that may be. Whether it's high school, college, or the workforce, my goal is to prepare them to be confident and capable leaders. We want them to be able to sit at any table and succeed.

I want a school that is an extension of the community. A school where families, local vendors, and the church come together to support and uplift one another. We want our school to be buzzing with families, creating a true sense of belonging. That’s how we build stronger students, stronger families, and a stronger community.

Safety is the top priority for me. If you’re not a family member, we have strict protocols in place to ensure our school remains a safe space for learning. But we also want families and community members to feel welcome and engaged.

We’re in a district where there are challenges, gaps, and vacancies. But every day, we show up for our kids. We prioritize what’s most important, and we don’t let these challenges define us. We will never be a failing school — we’re a school that keeps pushing forward for our students, and our resilience is what makes us strong.

People need to feel they’re not just here to fill a role but that they bring something authentic to the table. That’s how we build a strong, collaborative team that’s focused on the success of our students. I want every adult in the building to feel like they’re a part of something bigger than themselves.

I want my students to feel like Brooklyn Ascend Middle School is one of the best experiences of their lives. I want them to look back and say, ‘Those years at Brooklyn Ascend Middle School were the best years of my life.’ And I want them to know that school is a place where they were supported, encouraged, and equipped to go after their dreams."

-Latasha Williams