
Embracing the Power of Culturally Responsive Education
October 10, 2024
A Path of Purpose and Change
October 24, 2024by Dr. Ian Buchanan
Reflecting on my journey from the streets of East St. Louis to leading the Nia Educational Group, I realize that my story is deeply rooted in the power of community, resilience, and purpose. East St. Louis—a place often labeled as a scar by outsiders—was my foundation. I saw past the harsh narratives of Savage Inequalities and found a nurturing community that fueled my passion for education. It wasn’t easy, but I’m here because of the love and guidance that community gave me.
Like many young men of color, I had aspirations that extended beyond the confines of my environment. I pursued an engineering degree, but my path shifted after being profoundly influenced by a book I read during a Black Studies course—*Black Awakening in Capitalist America*. That book, along with my early experiences working with young Black boys, reshaped my purpose. I realized that education was my true calling. From there, I transitioned into teaching, and my life’s work has been about building up Black and brown communities through education ever since.
The Impact of COVID on Education: A Wake-Up Call
The pandemic was a turning point for all of us. As someone who spent most of my career in K-12 education, I saw firsthand how COVID-19 exacerbated the challenges that students of color were already facing. There’s a generation of kids—those who were in kindergarten through second grade during the pandemic—who are now struggling with literacy. This isn’t just an academic issue; it’s a social justice issue. Literacy is life, and without it, our kids are being set up for failure.
Similarly, students in middle school and high school missed critical math foundations during the pandemic. Many of them didn’t get the algebra foundation they needed, and we all know how crucial that is for their future success. Algebra can be the make-or-break point for college-bound students, and the fact that so many of our kids were underserved during that time keeps me up at night.
The Entrepreneurial Leap: Maximizing My Impact
After decades of working within school districts, I made the decision to step out on my own. It wasn’t easy leaving a stable position as a Chief Academic Officer, but I knew I had more to offer. I wanted to maximize my impact and focus on the things that truly matter. That’s how Nia Educational Group was born—a purpose-driven organization dedicated to helping great leaders become their greatest leadership selves.
Now, I have the freedom to engage in work that is both fulfilling and impactful. I provide one-on-one coaching to teachers, develop principals, and focus on culturally responsive leadership. I’m still in the game, just playing in a different, more impactful lane.
King: My Contribution to the Culture
In 2014, I walked into a room full of young Black and brown school leaders and realized that I had become the “old head.” That moment inspired me to write my book, “King.” I wanted to share the lessons I’ve learned throughout my career with the next generation of leaders. *King* is a leadership framework designed specifically for Black and brown men. It’s about knowing the king within, inspiring others, navigating with purpose, and surrounding yourself with greatness.
The message of *King* is simple: We are all kingmakers. It’s our responsibility to build capacity in others and help elevate the next generation of leaders. Whether you’re leading a school, a district, or a community, you have the power to make a difference.
Resist Complicity, Embrace Purpose
As educators, we often find ourselves complicit in systems of oppression, whether we realize it or not. But that doesn’t mean we have to accept it. We can resist, even in small ways, by prioritizing self-care, embracing hope, and fighting for change. We need to be conscious of why we do the work we do and make sure that our career moves are aligned with our purpose, not just titles or salaries.
To my fellow educators and leaders out there, I encourage you to stay committed to the work, even when it’s hard. Invest in yourself, invest in your community, and never lose sight of your North Star. We have the power to change the game for our students and for the future generations to come.