It is an honor to meet you. My name is Alfred "Shivy" Brooks, and I am running for the Atlanta Public School Board. As a current high school classroom teacher, I am determined to make history by becoming the first active teacher to serve on the Board. There is nothing about education that teachers do not know how to fix. That is why we are running for Seat 7 At-Large. As a teacher, I firmly believe that educators should have a prominent role in shaping educational policies that directly impact our students' lives. It is time for a school board that truly represents the diverse voices of Atlanta's students and families. With your support, we can make this a reality.

 

Education runs in my blood. Growing up, I witnessed the passion that my aunts and the dedication of my father, all lifelong teachers, brought to the classroom every day. Surrounded by a family of educators and with my father's active involvement in the National Education Association, I was raised to have an unwavering commitment to advocating for teachers, students, and families. Education is a family business. We take the outcomes of our scholars personally and will do so as your next school board representative.

 

I believe that the strongest public safety plan for Atlanta is a strong Atlanta Public School Board System. The unfortunate truth is that too high of a percentage of crimes that occur in the city of Atlanta involve our youth. When elected, my primary goal is to enhance the safety of Atlanta by fostering student engagement, conflict resolution, and restorative practices. By investing in social-emotional supports and mental health resources, strengthening community engagement, and prioritizing educational equity and access, we can create a safer and more nurturing environment for our students.

 

Too many of our young boys are finding more engagement in the streets than in their schools. We must address this issue head-on. I will advocate for the equitable distribution of resources, including funding, technology, and instructional materials, ensuring that every scholar has an equal opportunity to succeed.

 

Additionally, I am committed to eliminating disparities in access to advanced courses, extracurricular activities, and specialized programs. We need to break down barriers and foster inclusion, ensuring that every student can pursue their passions and reach their full potential, no matter which school they are enrolled in.

 

As a current high school economics, personal finance, and government teacher, I have experienced the impact of effective policies on student outcomes. Teaching both before, during, and after the pandemic has given me insights into the unique needs and gaps within our school buildings, preparing me to be one of the most qualified individuals to address the problems that we are faced with today. My experiences as a classroom teacher have prepared me to understand these challenges and effectively advocate for effective change.

 

What sets me apart as a candidate is my diverse set of qualifications. Not only am I a classroom teacher with 13 years of teaching experience, but I am also an Atlanta Public School parent and a dedicated father. I hold a degree in Public Policy from the Andrew Young School of Public Policy at Georgia State University, providing me with a strong foundation to enact meaningful change. My extensive network of relationships throughout all levels of government in Atlanta and Georgia positions me to leverage these connections to benefit our students. Additionally, my work with schools, both disadvantaged and well-resourced, throughout the country has provided me with valuable insights and access to best practices nationwide.

 

In order for us to drastically improve the quality of education in Atlanta, collaboration with parents, teachers, and the community is paramount. I will utilize my extensive network of educators, education leaders, small and corporate business professionals, and nonprofit organizations to foster greater engagement, investment, and interaction within our schools.

 

Throughout my career, I have been deeply involved in educational advocacy and community initiatives. As the founder of "Teachers for Good Trouble," a network of over 600 educators throughout America, I have been dedicated to reforming schools and creating safe, nurturing, and justice-driven school communities. Additionally, my role as the education chair for the Georgia NAACP and my involvement with the Fulton County Democratic Party have further reinforced my commitment to fighting for equitable and inclusive education.

 

I firmly believe that technology plays a vital role in modern education. By intentionally embracing and investing in technological advancements, we can provide Atlanta's scholars with access to unparalleled opportunities for personal and entrepreneurial growth. Our students should be equipped and empowered with the knowledge and skills to monetize their talents through e-commerce and understand the vast opportunities that exist within the creator economy today. Our scholars know that they do not have to wait to realize the promise of their talents, and neither should their schools.

 

Transparency, authenticity, and accessibility are central to effective communication and decision-making. As a school board member, I will make it a priority to maintain open lines of communication with our diverse community in Atlanta. Through social media engagement and monthly in-person town hall events, I will ensure that the voices of our community are heard and represented in my decision-making process.

 

I am Alfred "Shivy" Brooks, an Atlanta Public School Board candidate with a deep-rooted passion for education and a commitment to students, teachers, and families of Atlanta. As an active classroom teacher, a dedicated parent, and a thought leader in education, I possess the experience, vision, and network necessary to enact positive change. Together, we can build a strong and more inclusive educational system that empowers every student to succeed and thrive.