Dr. Giani Clarkson: Inspiring Change in the Classroom and Beyond

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In this wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Giani Clarkson joins Thembi to discuss his journey as an educator, the importance of mentorship and cultural representation in education, his approach to teaching civic engagement, and he even lets us in on which Abbott Elementary character that he most identifies with.
Dr. Giani Clarkson is a proud graduate of Dillard University and received his master's and doctorate from Concordia University. Clarkson is a chemist in the classroom, converting ungenerous personalities into individuals of great worth. Programs he has pioneered in District of Columbia Public Schools and Public Charter Schools have boosted test scores across the district and helped guide students to college and beyond.
His mantra is simple: Every child deserves a chance to build the blueprint for their dreams and make it a reality. This message is consistent with his teaching style: pushing the envelope of conventional thinking and providing lesson plans that are relevant, and challenging, but as he says all the time..." learning covered in fun".
He has been recognized by numerous organizations for innovations in teaching and mentoring children in civic engagement which includes community service and presenting policies to local government officials.
Clarkson also mentors 1st-year teachers through various programs at local universities. He has served as an adjunct professor at Coppin State University and the University of Maryland. Due to his expertise in the field of education and numerous accomplishments, Clarkson is now a featured editorial writer for the Dallas Weekly and several other papers across the country.
He has won multiple awards from iCivics for excellence in social studies teaching, three Teacher of The Year awards, and won the first-ever Michelle Obama Award from the I Believe Project for excellence in teaching students about civic duties in connection to the importance of registering to vote.
He has been selected as a Ford’s Theatre National Oratory Fellow for the past ten years. The Oratory Fellows Program gives teachers the opportunity to teach social advocacy through the power of oratory and history. Clarkson has presented on various occasions on behalf of Ford’s Theatre - discussing police brutality and gun violence. Clarkson has won Ford’s Theatre Lincoln Lead Teacher Award for his work with youth and social activism. In addition, Clarkson has recently been named a Board of Trustee Member at Ford’s Theatre. "What is important is to empower students no matter where they are from, love them through adversity, and celebrate their success."
KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan. Theme music by Sycho Sid. Visit us on Instagram @Keybard_IG.