Newark Charter Grad Shines at National Education Conference

At the National Charter Schools Conference in Boston last week, Nathan “Miztyk” Duguid, a recent graduate of Great Oaks Legacy Charter High School in Newark, captivated thousands of charter school leaders, educators, and advocates from across the country by performing his original song, ‘Teaching My Soul.’ The conference, organized by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, is the largest gathering of charter school professionals in the nation.

“I wrote ‘Teaching My Soul’ as an ode to inspire educators and highlight the role they play in shaping students’ lives. Getting the chance to perform and share my story at the national conference was a profound opportunity to honor those educators who made a difference in my life,” said Nathan Duguid. “I hope my song inspires our leaders to recognize the role of educational opportunities in shaping our futures, and our very humanity.”

The four-day conference brought together over 4,300 attendees and featured a lineup of keynote speakers, including Boston-area Congressman Stephen Lynch and acclaimed theoretical neuroscientist Dr. Vivienne Ming, and introduced the incoming President and CEO of the National Alliance, Starlee Coleman.

In addition to his musical achievements, Nathan received a full scholarship to Rutgers University-Newark, where he recently started working as a Program Assistant with the Center for PreCollege Programs. At the university, he is part of the Honors Living-Learning Community, a college access program focusing on social justice and community engagement. During high school, Nathan was the founding editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, president of the student government association, and president of the Student Advocacy Club, which prepares students for leadership roles and participation in educational advocacy. He hopes to further his work in advocacy and someday work as an educator in his home city.

“We are incredibly proud of Nathan and all of New Jersey’s public charter school students who continually demonstrate the value of a great public education,” said Harry Lee, President and CEO of the New Jersey Public Charter Schools Association. “Nathan’s passion for music, advocacy, and his community is more than inspiring.”

“My charter experience has helped shape who I am today,” continued Duguid. “Great Oaks has given me the tools and the platform to pursue my dreams and make a difference in my community. This experience has propelled me into opportunities I never thought possible. Every child in the state and across the country deserves that chance, and I hope to carve out my own lane to help achieve that goal.”

To learn more about public charter schools in New Jersey, please visit www.njcharters.org