Takia Logan

Tell us why you became a teacher

Before I became a teacher I observed that some students that looked like me were in some classrooms and some were over-disciplined and under-taught. I wanted those students to receive equitable learning opportunities because they were deserving of them. Those students needed to have an advocate, and I wanted to be just that. Students, no matter their form of diversity should not be given an excuse to fail. I wanted to help students succeed.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my students was wheelchair bound with limited vocal abilities. He persisted throughout his academic career and was invited to give a speech about ableism for a New Jersey leadership conference. Together we developed his presentation. He has gone on to become a motivational speaker.

What would you do with the $25,000?

The students in my program all are learning the social emotional skills to be successful in school. I would like to setup a social emotional space in my building; a cool down area for students to de-escalate and reset, complete with weighted stuffies and bean bags.