Advocacy for Our Students: Dr. Joyce Brooks on Being a Lifelong Champion of Public Education

Dr. Joyce Brooks’s story is one of transformation, from a young girl growing up in the segregated South to a respected educator, community leader, and lifelong advocate for public education. In this episode of Elevate Education, Dr. Brooks reflects on the experiences that shaped her belief in the power of learning and how those experiences led her to stand up for students, support families, and model leadership rooted in service.

You’ll hear:

• How early life experiences can shape a commitment to advocacy

• What educators and families can do to form strong, trusting partnerships

• Why community voice matters in shaping strong schools

• How anyone, regardless of title, can lead with care and conviction

Dr. Brooks reminds us that lasting impact often begins with a single step: the decision to care, to act, and to advocate for what’s right for students.

Resources from this episode: 

• https://blackparentnetwork.org/

 

Episode Transcript

Unknown (00:08):
Hello, everyone. Thank you for tuning in to Elevate Education. I hope you're all having a great week. Whether you're an educator or a community member, this is the time of year we all need a little extra motivation to keep the momentum going. Today's guest is someone who can provide exactly that. I'm thrilled to introduce Dr. Joyce Brooks. Dr. Brooks has dedicated her life to ensuring every child has access to the life-changing power of education. Her passion and advocacy come from a deeply personal place, and her story is as inspiring as it is impactful. I am deeply honored to have her on the podcast today. Welcome, Dr. Brooks. Well, thank you, Tara. Thanks for having me, Jeff Cole. Thank you. I've been looking forward to meeting you. I've heard such amazing things about you, your educational journey, and the impact you've made. I'm thrilled for our conversation today and truly appreciate you taking the time to be here. Thank you so much. And thank you for inviting me. I love to come in education spaces. And just be present with educators. Thank you. I feel the same way. So Dr. Brooks, I've been so inspired by everything I've heard about your journey. Could you share the story behind your life's work and how it has led you to become the Dr. Joyce Brooks I have the honor of sitting with today? You know, I think, first of all, I'm a learner. Thanks to my parents. I was raised in a segregated rural South. Black schools and white schools. But our parents, those World War II veterans, those were my parents, my dad. They wanted the best for their kids. And my dad telling us all about his travels, even though it was very harsh during World War II, because I was a segregated army. He believed in his country and the power of education and learning. And evidently that was put in me from birth to be a learner and to quest for more knowledge. So that's, that's my foundation that has followed me. Oh, my gosh. I, I love that. And I draw so many parallels to that. So thank you to your dad for his service and serving our country. Thank you. My family is a strong military family. My own grandfather, my grandpa Ray Alvarado, served in the 82nd Airborne and was a Purple Heart recipient of World War II. Oh. And so they don't, they don't call it the greatest generation for nothing. Um, And, and every time we sat down for dinner, we prayed for our country and we prayed for our soldiers. And, um, and so much of that was rooted in the deep belief of, of our country and the opportunities it provides. And education is, is one of those beautiful opportunities. And so that's why this conversation today is so important. Exactly. So let's talk a little bit about your family. So what, you know, what you said Gosh, really, really speaks to my heart. I often say in my role, um, you know, as the chief of family community partnerships and my twenty-three years in education, I have never met. A parent, a guardian, a caregiver that did not want the very best for their child. And while they themselves might have limited access or maybe just maybe not not a sophisticated understanding of how to. Advocate, um, on behalf of their child, um, starting with really high expectations is foundational to setting up our children for success. Um, and so, so much of, you know, you being a learner, how you came into this world, um, speaks to that. And so can you talk a little bit about your early experiences and, and how they, um, You know, the decision to become an educator and to be a lifelong learner. First, I want to thank you for serving in the capacity in which you're serving because parents are children's first teachers. And over the years, we've lost sight of that, I think, as educators, if we're not careful. But I want to commend you and Jeffco for having a space for that and honoring parents because that's what I learned growing up. My parents were my first teachers. They believed in Creating a school community because they understood very well our learning was not just about us gaining, but helping others in our community gain. You know, at my school, it was the black school on one side of town, the white school on the other side of town, and we got a lot less. But our parents got in there to make sure they could give us more. And advocate for us to the school district. I remember when they were going to close our school, I remember my dad, who was the PTA president, he said, you will not do this. If you do, we will bring all the black children to the white school because we want all the kids to be educated. They didn't do it. That's advocacy. And they made sure before I started school that we'd have a high school in our town because there was no high school for black kids. But they made sure that that's advocacy. There was no library for us. But I got one when I got to college. The 64th Civil Rights Act had passed. And we, I got a library, but that was community advocate, not fighting against each other, but learning to fight together for the benefit of children. For the benefit of creating a country that serves all children well. Because we, the baby boomers, were the largest group of Americans. That had been educated in the way in which we had. Wow, your dad sounds remarkable. What a beautiful testament of the power of family engagement. And, you know, families and educators working together in the best interests of students, the entire community. Yeah. Will benefit from that and it sounds like that's exactly what happened in this instance and so just hats off to your dad and the other and the other you know equity warriors standing alongside him in support of an extraordinary vision of equitable access. For the children in your community. So thank you for sharing that. Um, so Dr. Brooks, um, the journey for many of us to becoming an educator is usually shaped by, um, You know, somebody in our family, within our community, a special teacher or a mentor. You know, I often say that kids can't be what they cannot see. Was there a particular educator or mentor that played a special role in shaping you and your path? Because We worked together as a community. Teachers were very involved in that small community in my church and just work in the community. So the teachers in my church, there was one in particular, Mrs. Johns. She really taught me to love math. I just loved how she articulated it. And at eight years old, I knew I wanted to be a teacher because I wanted to do what she did. Then there were several other teachers. I only had black teachers. And they believed, they would say things like, we'd say, the books, the covers are off the book. Because we would get the books from the white school. We didn't get new books until I was ninth grade. And the teacher would say, don't worry about the cover. Get what's in the book. So they gave me a love for books, as you can see my bookcase behind me. And so, and there was no library, but they'd bring us books, they'd find books. I thought that's what a teacher should do. I said, oh, when I grow up, I'm going to be a teacher. And that carried me on to college, that desire to want to teach. And help kids learn. Yes. Oh my gosh. Uh, I love that. I, you know, funny enough, that's a big part of why I became a teacher. Um, my grandma actually inspired an early love of learning with me and, um, Despite I didn't learn this until much later in my adult life that my grandma herself never learned to read. Yet we would spend um, we would take public transportation and we go to the public library we check out books. And we'd sit on the front porch and she would spend hours painting these beautiful pictures and telling stories. And, um, that early literacy, um, you know, learning to read, a love for reading, uh, really, um, Helped shape just my, maybe my identity as a learner, just like you said, you know, I, I was an early, early reader and an early learner and so much of that started with a love for books. And so, um, you know, we don't, we don't realize when we introduce. These, these incredible stories and experiences to our students what it might inspire. And so it sounds like Mrs. Johns was an incredible educator and we're so grateful for her and all the children's lives that you were able to impact because of her. Yes, for sure. So I myself am a proud product of public education and firmly believe that my educational experiences have changed the trajectory of my entire life. It's the reason I became a teacher. You've had diverse teaching experiences across the country. Can you share some highlights and lessons from, from your teaching years? Fortunately, I was, I became a teacher in 1968 Within the U.S. there was this whole educational equity movement around desegregation, integration of schools. And I was fortunate enough to be a part of getting in a rural school. That was my first year of teaching. Where the community, both the black and white community decided we're going to tear down the black school, tear down the white school and make one school for all kids. And I was the only English teacher in that school. And I taught every grade in high school. I taught high school English. And again, fortunately for me, I got a chance to see these kids come together. And learn together and appreciate each other where they were. And I learned the power of stories. You mentioned that early. They had never communicated with each other. You know, the black kids and the white kids had never communicated with each other. They have been separate all of their lives. And here they come together. Whereas many people would think they would have been fighting. No, we came together around their stories and around literature. That was one of my richest experience. And it was my first year, which propelled me. Into other teaching my experiences in California and Indiana and learning multiculturalism, how important it is in. The U.S. for us to learn about each other, our strengths. We make a stronger nation. That's what we're all about. And these kids loved it. But guess who learned the most? I did. They taught me about their communities, the enriching, their parents, which really set a trajectory for me. To what I'm doing now and for all these fifty years, the power of community and schools. Because of what I've learned from kids, their parents, other educators. Absolutely. Oh my gosh. I, so I loved what you share about just the way that your students impacted you as an educator. So we have so much in common. So I was actually also a high school English teacher. And I believe that I was a better educator for the ways in which students entrusted me with their lived experiences. And the stories they told through their writing and their reflection and reaction to the literature that we got to read and I, I grew. Through them and you know I to see the world through their eyes made me want to be a better teacher and provide them more extraordinary student experiences and ensure that our classrooms were places of belonging where they could show up and. And, um, and, and have constructive dialogue and, and, and challenge, you know, the world around them and form their own opinions and, and create an environment where, where real learning is. And, um, and I, and I believe I, I had some success in that as a teacher. Um, I, I'm so grateful for my time as a teacher and, and, and say till this day, I, I'm, I'm still a teacher. I think once a teacher, always a teacher. And so, you know, I, you know, a little bit earlier talked about, you know, in 1968 really entering into education during, you know, educational equity movement. And I would believe 2025 that we are still in an educational equity movement, that we are working really hard to address Systemic barriers and disrupt the predictability of student outcomes that a student's background or circumstances should not predict. You know, their, their, their outcomes and, and predetermined the path that they will take and I, I'm so grateful for. For the courageous colleagues that I get to work alongside in the school district that I believe in that is so committed to. You've talked a lot about multicultural education being really central to your approach of, you know, to education. Can you talk a little bit about your experiences as a teacher in California? Actually, my multiculturalism, multicultural focus was, was really expanded more in California. I learned a lot in Indiana. Because I had some students who were from Puerto Rico and other areas and I had never taught anything but black students and white students. So in Indiana, these students said, what about us? I said, oh, let's learn about your culture. So I started learning. Then I went to California. Wow. California was just full of all kinds of people. What an opportunity for a teacher to learn. But you know what, that one of the things that was even richer was when we started doing. What we call family get-togethers, meeting with Vietnamese families and learning different holidays from different cultures. Learning words from parents. I still know the Vietnamese national anthem because of what a mom taught me. It doesn't matter what your language is. America has been called a melting pot. I like to call it a stew pot. Where you don't melt anybody, but you get all these different flavors and you get this beautiful blend. And that's what I saw happening. A blending of what America really is. Those young people that I taught in the 70s are older now. They have grandchildren, showed you how old I am. But think about what they, cause I, some of them have contacted me on Facebook and tell me what they're doing with their own children and grandchildren. Parents, what you do with us. Teachers, what you do with students, administrators, what you help and support in all of this creates better communities. And it lives on now. This is decades later. Look how many generations can be impacted. I believe that's how we build a stronger country. Build strong communities. Leads to building a stronger country. I wholeheartedly agree. And I believe that education is, um, such a powerful, um, Leveler, if you will, or such a powerful grounding force of, of, of really creating those communities that we strive for. If you think about our classrooms, you know, I think about the classrooms that I have The privilege to visit, you know, in my role here in Jeffco and they are reflective of the diversity of the broader Jeffco community. We have over 100 languages spoken by our families in Jeffco and the tapestry and the identities and the diversity. Um, you know, deserves to be celebrated and, and, um, just a beautiful reflection of our communities. Yes. You know, I, I really love the ways in which you acknowledge and, and, and understand the importance of embracing that diversity. And really from a strengths-based approach that everybody, um, every student, every family brings a strength That only, you know, leads to the value of a stronger community. And, um, we also know that at times we can encounter systemic barriers that make it really difficult, especially for underrepresented groups, but really for all learners. Thinking about some of those extent systemic barriers that you've observed in in your career and in your own lived experiences, what are some of those barriers and you know. Based on your wisdom and expertise experience, how might we, how might we address them? Dr. King said, We don't communicate together because we tend not to know each other. And he said the more we communicate with each other, the more we get to know each other. So too often we allow what the media says or what's depicted in From others about others forms our belief about other groups. That's why I believe in reading literature so much. And when I say literature, I mean all kinds of reading. Opens us up. To a new world. Remember, I said I didn't go to a library because it was against the law for me to go to the library until I was eighteen The Civil Rights Act was passed. I could get into the library, but when I went into the library, I could, I was exposed to more books. Then I felt the responsibility to expose those to others. And I will say while I'm on this podcast, parents, be readers yourselves. Be the models. Be the role models for your children for reading. Teachers. Be readers yourself. Reading should be about learning. But it's not just learning there in school. We're learning for life. The children that are being educated in America today will be, I mean, it's all children. Will be hampered if they are not reading broadly because we're educating them for a much bigger world than any of us have experienced, any of us as adults have experienced. So in order to do this, let's not have a system, which is what we've created, that holds them back. From exploring. When I took groups of children to Europe when we went on school trips, they saw the importance of learning other languages. Before they went, they just wanted to know English. That's all I need. But those kids that went to Europe with me and they saw that our guides, our tour guides spoke five and six languages. When they came back, they said, Dr. Brooks, I'm going to learn more languages. That makes me more marketable. I said, you got it. So, we have created a system That does not appreciate many languages. That can be a barrier for all kids. That's such a powerful example. Thank you. There's a powerful quote by Maya Angelou that when we know better, we do better. Yeah. And I think that that is such a great example of. Of, of that in action. I've learned so much about you already about the profound impact that you've had as an educator, but can you tell us about your transition into leadership and advocacy roles? I don't think I transitioned. I think I was that all along. Leadership starts with personal leadership. Personal leadership is how you serve others. If you serve people, they follow you. That makes you a leader. John Maxwell said, uh, if you're a leader and no one's following, if you think you're a leader, no one's following you, you're just out for a walk. Absolutely. No, I think leadership can absolutely be very holistic and that we all have opportunities to lead. Leadership is not a title. You know, leadership is not about, uh, You know, having authority over somebody else. To me, leadership is really about inspiring others, um, For change or inspiring others to take an active role in a cause that is meaningful or about improving an experience or an outcome. And so, so there are so many things in which you've shown up for your community as a leader that has inspired impact for those in your community. I see community in a very broad sense. I believe my calling now is to help, is to work, work with parents, teachers, administrators, Policy makers, both school board members and legislators. Working with them means sometimes I have to make a call to a legislator. You voted a certain way. Can you explain to me why? I don't do that because I'm Dr. Brooks. I do that because I'm Citizen Brooks. Citizen Brooks is first leader. While I'm an educator, I bring that into the room. But I think what I want my magnum opus to be is to really model leadership as a citizen. For every person because each of us has a responsibility to create great community and certainly work within our in our area of influence. But your area of influence is almost everywhere. Absolutely. So for those listening, how can they get involved in supporting strong schools and communities? I'll talk to parents first. Parents, do you know your children's teacher? Get to know them. Not just in checking on your kids, but you do want to know who's teaching your child. I'm going to talk to senior citizens. Our schools are in our communities and we're often asked to vote for certain things. How can we vote if we don't really understand what's going on in our community schools? Get to know the school site leaders. It's very easy for me as a retired person to say, well, you know, I don't have any kids in school, no grandkids in school, anything. But our tax dollars are going to schools. Just find out what's happening. And we can do so much to inspire as senior citizens. Find out if there's something that you can do. So many opportunities. One of the things I loved about growing up in a small community, and I think I learned this, everybody there in a community of 3,000 people in those days They cared about what was going on in the schools. And research shows us how much, you know, our schools were growing in those areas. That's how we got to have strong schools in this country. Those, that great generation and the baby boomers really were all about making schools better. Let's don't leave that. We can learn from them. There's so many lessons they've taught us. And I think just some of the examples that I gave may be ways in which others that are listening can get involved. Absolutely. The, the success of our students and the strengths of our community cannot be done without the partnership of our families. They play such an important role. And we really started our conversation today talking about reflecting upon the powerful partnership that that parents and families play in us working together with our educators to support our students and in benefit of our community. So you started us off today talking about the role that your, your parents played, especially your father, your hero, in shaping your journey in education. If he were here today, what advice do you think that he would give to parents of this generation? He would really be a cheerleader for them. I see in myself more and more. I see my dad and what I'm doing with parents that I'm working with. I helped to start a group called Black Parent Network and its purpose was to really be there to support parents. And kind of guide them in the resources that are available and build a network of parents that help each other. And more and more, I thought of my dad. That's what he did. That's what he would do now. When we see our children, no matter what they do, when we view them as When we have that kind of pride and love for them, no matter what, just because you're you, you will pass that on to other parents. You'll pass that on to their teachers. You'll pass that on to everybody because you, you believe in the individual. Dr. Brooks, my goodness, you have had such an awe-inspiring career and I, I just feel so fortunate to have been able to spend time with you today learning about your educational journey and the impact that you've had. What do you want your legacy to be? I really, it's two words. She cared. Everything that I do is about caring. You know why? Because I was cared for. All my life I've been cared for. I have a responsibility to give back, to pay it forward. You know, that's so simple. You don't need to go to school and get any degrees to be that. That is a powerful way to end a very powerful conversation. My goodness, I appreciate you being here with us today and everything that you've done throughout the entire course of your career. To inspire impact within your community and to be, model the way for families and to, um, to be the lifelong learner that you are. And so I know that I will be a better educator and hope to aspire to be all just to follow your example. So thank you so much for all that you've done for our communities, for our kids. And it's just been truly an honor to spend time with you today. And thank you so much, Tara. Wow. What an incredibly powerful conversation today with Dr. Joyce Brooks. Her story and her unwavering belief in the power of education are nothing short of inspiring. Education isn't just about academics. It's about opportunity, resilience, and creating a brighter future for everyone. As we wrap up, I encourage you to reflect on Dr. Brooke's journey and think about how her words can inspire action in your own life and community, whether it's supporting a student or simply believing in the potential of education to transform lives.