Game Changer

“Black Educators Matter because we have a gift… stay committed to your gift.” Beverly Glinsey Speech Language Pathologist “You have to have a love for research as an educator, and do the research. That knowledge you pass on to the students.” Beverly Glinsey was born and raised on the south side of Chicago - one of seven girls. Throughout public elementary school she had a mixture of Black and White teachers. However, at her Lutheran high school, she experienced covert racism under the guise of Christianity and there were no Black educators. Combining her creativity and love of acting, she was led to pursue Speech Pathology in college. She worked in the private sector for 10 years but always knew she wanted to be a teacher. She applied as a Speech Assistant, got her Masters and became a Speech Pathologist. “It’s hard to describe how that child feels when they can do something they weren’t able to do. Their countenance changes. When they see me, they’re ready to go. It’s a game changer. That’s our role. That’s what we do and I love it.” For the past 16 years Beverly has helped children with communication delays and disorders. The breakthroughs are her highs, when the students are able to make a sound that they couldn’t before. Their self esteem and motivation skyrocket. Many parents are in denial, but for those who do actively participate, their children succeed much faster. Beverly believes the state of Black education is suffering because many Black parents are failing their children, not supporting them and sending them to school ill-equipped from the start. She’s hopeful that increasingly parents will invest in and advocate for their children. She urges new speech pathologists to stay committed to their gift, keep improving, have compassion and have fun.