Lead from a Place of Love

"We are the backbones, we are the nurturers, we are the lovers, we are the teachers." Ayanna Scott Jenkins Middle School Instructional Coach [email protected] http://www.primerica.com/a_jenkins "Without us, the world would be something different." This week, we welcome Ayanna Scott Jenkins, a dedicated middle school instructional coach, to Black Educators Matter. Born and raised in Aurora, Illinois, Ayanna reflects on her formative years in predominantly white educational settings, where, despite never having a Black teacher, she was deeply influenced by a strong community of Black mentors, including her parents and godparents. Her journey led her to pursue education at Clark Atlanta University and later at the University of Illinois, Chicago, majoring in secondary education. Ayanna shares her experiences of moving through different educational landscapes, from Illinois to Ohio, and the profound impact of building genuine connections with her students. "I wanted to be the teacher that I did not have." Ayanna discusses the challenges and triumphs of her 24-year career in education, emphasizing the importance of leading with love and the critical role of mentorship. Her reflections touch on the systemic issues within Black education, including the effects of integration and the need for communal support and representation in schools. Ayanna also shares her passion for financial literacy, aiming to empower educators to secure their futures beyond retirement. Special thanks to Dr. Briggs, Dr. Stephanie Powell, Dr. Darrell Sanders, and Dr. Kimberly Hinton, whose mentorship and guidance have significantly shaped Ayanna's career and personal growth.