Alecia Blackwood

Alecia Blackwood, an experienced and passionate master teacher with over 20 years in education, is not only an author and international speaker but also a former Fulbright-Hays Scholar for Namibia and Botswana. Throughout her career, she has shared her knowledge worldwide and served as an education consultant for various institutions, including private and Catholic schools, public schools, non-profit organizations, and homeschooling families across Canada, America, the Caribbean, and several African countries. Dr. Blackwood is recognized as one of the leading experts in the USA on ubuntu pedagogy, a humanistic approach to fostering student engagement in teaching and learning. In addition to her scholarly pursuits, she actively volunteers with a non-profit organization that provides cultural education for black students. Furthermore, she leads the Sankofa Youth Initiative, a study abroad program that offers middle and high school students the opportunity to engage in STEAM projects in Ethiopia and Ghana during the summer. She was recently awarded the 2024 fellowship by the International Society of Technology Education (ISTE) faculty research fellow, where she is engaged in research on Artificial Intelligence in school environments.

Currently, Dr. Blackwood is an Assistant Professor of Education at Longwood University, where she passionately mentors aspiring educators and instills innovative teaching methods. Beyond her academic commitments, Alecia enjoys embarking on travel adventures, indulging in gourmet cooking, cherishing precious moments with her family, and doing yoga.

Books by Alecia Blackwood:

Ubuntu Pedagogy
Becoming an Ubuntu Responsive Educator

Ubuntu Pedagogy: Becoming an Ubuntu Responsive Educator is a compelling narrative born from the author's lived experience and extensive teaching in the United States. The book chronicles her journey to Southern Africa, where she sought to understand what it means to "teach in the spirit of ubuntu." The book explores the transformative power of Ubuntu, an ancient African philosophy rooted in human interconnectedness and mutual care. It demonstrates how the principles of Ubuntu can be applied to create an engaging, inclusive, and effective learning environment. This work blends personal stories, practical examples, and a conceptual framework of Ubuntu pedagogy, illustrating its profound impact on both teaching practices and student achievement.

Part One
In this section, the author recounts her challenging first year of teaching within a large urban public school district. Through reflection, she recognizes how the traumatic events of 9/11 impacted how she showed up as a teacher. These experiences underscored the importance of reflective practice, which became a cornerstone of her teaching philosophy. Through these reflections, she emphasizes the need for educators to engage in self-examination and continuous learning to navigate and overcome initial challenges effectively.

Part Two
In part two of the book, the author unpacks the essence of teaching in the spirit of Ubuntu, focusing on its six core components. Central to this approach is understanding oneself and building positive relationships with others. This section explores creating unity among students from a place of love and care and the importance of using evidence-based practices to cater to diverse learning needs. It provides actionable insights into fostering a classroom environment rooted in compassion and mutual respect.

Part Three
This part of the book transports readers to the author's time working with children and teachers in the rural and inner-city schools of Botswana and Namibia. As an outsider, she observed and documented numerous instances of Ubuntu in action. These experiences highlighted the profound sense of community and support inherent in the Ubuntu philosophy, offering valuable lessons for educators worldwide.

Part Four
This section examines the role of Ubuntu in creating a harmonious learning environment through a compassionate approach to discipline. It discusses how Ubuntu-based discipline strategies can foster respect, responsibility, and positive student behavior, enhancing the classroom atmosphere.

Part Five
In part five of the book, the author distinguishes between cultural competence and Ubuntu competence, elaborating on what it means to be a truly competent teacher. Drawing from real-life experiences of educators in inner-city schools across the United States, this section highlights the importance of embracing diverse cultural perspectives and fostering an inclusive learning environment.

Part Six
This section explores the intrinsic link between who educators are as individuals and how they teach. It provides a step-by-step guide for educators to develop and articulate their teaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and self-awareness in fostering meaningful connections with students.

Part Seven
The book's final section focuses on practical applications of Ubuntu principles to cultivate good character among students. It includes the use of proverbs, aphorisms, and adinkra symbols as tools to promote ethical decision-making and positive behavior. This chapter offers concrete strategies for educators to help students develop moral integrity and make sound choices.

Ubuntu Pedagogy: Becoming an Ubuntu Responsive Educator is more than a pedagogical guide; it is a testament to the power of human connection and compassionate teaching. By integrating Ubuntu into educational practices, the author will inspire educators to create nurturing, inclusive, and effective learning environments that honor the humanity of every student.

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9781975507497
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