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Philadelphia Mayor's Office of Education

@educationphl

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Advancing education policy, building partnerships, and empowering Philadelphians with educational resources.

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The impact of a Black educator can reach far beyond the classroom.

@selmekki reflects on Mama Fasaha Traylor, one of the founders and principal of Nidhamu Sasa, one of Philadelphia’s earliest independent schools that also “provided a framework for challenging and deconstructing the traditional (Eurocentric) curriculum” [visit phillys7thward.org to learn more], and the way she taught students to see themselves as part of something bigger.

“She believed that we were responsible for our community, that we stood on the shoulders of others, and that we could, even as children, lift as we climbed.”

Philadelphia’s history of Black teaching is filled with educators who did more than teach lessons. They helped shape identity, leadership, confidence and a sense of responsibility to community.

Knowing that history helps us better understand the role Black educators have played in shaping generations of Philadelphia students, and why that legacy still matters today.

Hear more from Sharif El-Mekki, Founder & CEO of the Center for Black Educator Development, during the Teaching Freedom Community Symposium.

📅 Nov. 5 at 6 PM

📍 Philadelphia City Archives, 548 Spring Garden St.

Teaching Freedom: The Education of Black Philadelphia, 1840-1976 is on view Nov. 1 through Jan. 15.

RSVP through the link in our bio.

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Two weeks to go. 👀

The Teaching Freedom Community Symposium is happening Nov. 5 at the Philadelphia City Archives.

Come spend the evening with the records, stories and conversations behind The Education of Black Philadelphia, 1840-1976.

📅 Nov. 5
🕕 6 PM
📍 548 Spring Garden St.

The public exhibit opens Nov. 1 and runs through Jan. 15.
Save your spot through the link in our bio.

#TeachingFreedom #ArchivesInAction #PhiladelphiaHistory #BlackEducation

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Who are the women in this photo?

They’re members of the Ivy Leaf Church Lane staff, pictured in recognition of 20 years of success.

The image gives us a look at some of the educators behind a Philadelphia school community and the people doing the daily work of supporting its students.

Swipe to meet the women pictured, then see more of Philadelphia’s educational history in Teaching Freedom: The Education of Black Philadelphia, 1840-1976.

📍 Philadelphia City Archives
On view Nov. 1 through Jan. 15

#TeachingFreedom #ArchivesInAction #PhiladelphiaHistory #BlackEducation

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Champions on the Rise Fall Festival! 🎾🎃

Professional Development Day #2 was spent back at the LEGACY Center where students from all 4 of LEGACY’s Champions on the Rise programs came together to play tennis and enjoy a wonderful day together at this year’s Fall Festival!

Thank you to the Mayor’s Office of Education as these students could spend the day with us instead of at home through the Extended Day Extended Year program!

#legacyyte #legacyOST #phillyOST #educationphl

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From educators and students to the communities that fought for access, opportunity, and the freedom to learn, these stories are an important part of Philadelphia’s history—and its future.

What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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We are so proud of our Forrest Elementary team and community for coming together during the One Philly Produce Project!

Thanks to our wonderful staff, volunteers, and partners, fresh, delicious, and nutritious produce was distributed right here at Forrest Elementary. Watching our school family step up to serve and support one another truly shows what makes our community so special. 💚✨

A giant thank you to everyone who helped organize, distribute, and participate. When we work together to support healthy families, incredible things happen! 🍎🍊🥕 @philly_schools @educationphl

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Our students think we’re not cool… meanwhile, we were Beliebers before they were born. Please respect the pioneers. 😭🎤💅🏽

And yes, we’re rocking pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month! 💗🎀

#fypシ❤️💞❤️ #education #teacherfollowteachers #breastcancerawareness #eaglepride

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📚 Excited about our Teaching Freedom showcase? We’ve got a surprise for you!

You don’t have to wait for the showcase to dive into the story.
You can visit our other Teaching Freedom exhibit RIGHT NOW at The Parkway Central Library!

And don’t miss the special Teaching Freedom exhibit event on November 5 at 6:00 PM!

Come explore the history, celebrate the legacy, and learn more about the educators who helped shape Philadelphia.

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As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, I find myself reflecting deeply on what it means to me and to so many in my community.

We are a community that shows up for one another. We care for each other, support each other, and find ways to keep going, even when things aren’t easy. We work hard, with dignity, resilience, and so much pride in who we are and where we come from.

I see it every day. I see it in my family, in my peers, and in the students I have the privilege of working alongside. I see our strength in the way we show up for one another, the way we create opportunities, and the way we continue to lift each other up.

I am proud to represent a community that refuses to give up, that remains rooted in its values, and that understands the power of standing together. Our stories, our sacrifices, our culture, and our love for one another are what make us who we are.

We are here. We belong. And we will continue to move forward together.

#SeguimosAquí ❤️✨ #ImmigrantStudentsAssociation #ISA

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Happy National Hispanic Heritage Month from LEGACY!

McClure Elementary School students shared their cultures with their classmates through presentations, music, dance, and by proudly holding up their country’s flag. Stay tuned for more activities celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month to come! #legacyyte #phillyost #phillyschools

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Meet the Teaching Freedom panel.

On Nov. 5, Teaching Freedom brings together educators and leaders whose work spans higher education, K-12 education, literacy, educator development and community leadership.

Dr. Wayne W. Williams, Moderator
Professor of Accounting at Temple University’s Fox School of Business and an educator with more than three decades of experience. His work also extends into civic leadership, student mentorship and expanding opportunities for underrepresented students in business and higher education.

Dr. David E. Thomas, Panelist
An education and organizational leader whose work has crossed K-12, higher education and community engagement in Philadelphia. He is the founder of IHI Consultants and currently serves as the 2026-2027 Leader-in-Residence with YouthBuild Philadelphia.

Sharif El-Mekki, Panelist
Founder and CEO of the Center for Black Educator Development, an organization focused on strengthening and expanding the Black educator pipeline.

Kristin Green-Hayes, Panelist
A Philadelphia-born educator, literacy advocate and Reading Interventionist with more than 15 years of experience. His work centers culturally responsive education, literacy and creating stronger outcomes for Black and Brown students and families.

Together, they’ll join the conversation around Teaching Freedom during our Community Symposium.

📚 Community Symposium: Nov. 5 at 6 PM
📍 Philadelphia City Archives: 548 Spring Garden St.

Teaching Freedom: The Education of Black Philadelphia, 1840-1976 will also be on view Nov. 1 through Jan. 15.

RSVP through the link in our bio.

#TeachingFreedom #ArchivesInAction #BlackEducation #PhiladelphiaHistory

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Happy Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day! It's a beautiful day to be outside, and our team had a blast at schools across Philadelphia.

We did safety lessons, passed out stickers, and honored Jason and Silvia, who have made Nebinger's Bike Bus such a success.

🔗 Read more at the link in our bio.

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