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Cosby Says Teachers Could Be a Child's Last Hope

By Carnell Hawthorne
Black College Wire

Bill Cosby took his crusade to make education a higher priority among African Americans to Florida A&M University, where he said "teachers may be the last stop" before a child ends up in prison. He urged them to use creative ways to help.

Yanicka Shepherd/the Famuan Bill Cosby told an audience at Florida A&M University that the system had allowed student teachers to become beaten down.

Wearing a head-to-toe green FAMU Rattler sweatsuit, the entertainer and philanthropist rocked to the sound of the FAMU Marching 100 percussion section. Then he quickly shifted to a more serious demeanor as he asked for feedback from young teachers.

"The system has allowed the beat-down," Cosby said to the assembled interns, student teachers and developmental research student workers, explaining that the system had beaten down the student teachers.

Billy Sanders, a second grade teacher at FAMU's Developmental Research School, said he had not been given help and resources for his pupils.

"Teachers should do more," Cosby replied. At a historically black university such as FAMU, he said, young teachers should utilize their churches and the surrounding community to get funding for such resources as chalk, books and other school supplies.

"Use common sense to solve problems even if it means losing your job over striving for change," Cosby said. "Call people. Don't just let it happen. You've been that way for too long."

One student educator shared a personal success story involving two 14-year-old fifth graders and became emotional when Cosby approached her to share his microphone.

Eboni Aubry, an elementary education student, embraced Cosby with tears in her eyes and encouraged other young teachers to follow her example by taking struggling students aside and use nontraditional methods to reach them, if necessary.

Panelist Yolanda Bogan, associate professor in educational leadership and human service, emphasized that some parents are just not going to show up or get involved in their child's education. But, she said, "Teachers must not stop the good fight."

Cosby called teachers the safety net for at-risk children, and shared Bogan's sentiments, saying "Teachers may be the last stop before a child ends up being institutionalized."

Tianna Bailey, 24, an education student and intern from Minneapolis, said the discussion encouraged her to remain steadfast as a teacher.

Director of Bands Julian White also made Cosby and his wife, Camille, honorary members of the Marching 100.

"The role of a teacher has to change," panelist Mary Newell, assistant professor in the division of curriculum instruction and school, said at the end of the program.

"You can't be a teacher and walk out of the classroom at 3:30. It's a mindset that has to change."

The Feb. 27 panel was formally titled "Florida A&M University College of Education Student Teachers' Unasked Questions and Unfinished Answers."

Carnell Hawthorne, a student at Florida A&M University, writes for the Famuan. To comment, e-mail [email protected]

Posted March 8, 2007