The Opportunity Gap: Natalie Overton, Blue Engine

Wisdom posted in a WHEELS classroom, Washington Heights, NYC

Recently the state and future of public education have been one hot topic in North America, with the dramatic shift in US administration.

Now feels like a fitting time to share the perspective of an engaged voice in US Public Schools, Natalie Bradley Overton. Natalie has built her career in education, currently working with Blue Engine, an organization dedicated to preparing students in low-income areas for college. Blue Engine works by involving BETAs (Blue Engine Teaching Assistants) in classrooms with full-time teachers, increasing the direct instruction students receive.

As the current Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity for the organization, Natalie plays an important role in broadening and deepening the work of Blue Engine and it's educators.
Last spring, I spent a day in Washington Heights with Natalie, met a few BETAs and visited classrooms in sessions at Blue Engine's flagship partner school, WHEELS (Washington Heights Expeditionary Learning School). It was a special visit and a special community. 

I'm excited to share this video, the next in the "Educators Who Inspire" series, especially at this unprecedented turning point. As Natalie explains, "We must be ready to do the work".

(Fun Fact: President Obama gave a nod to Blue Engine in a 2014 speech, which you can see here.)

The Opportunity Gap: Blue Engine, NYC from edumodels on Vimeo.