Newark Teacher Plans One More Good Deed Before Moving To Texas

NEWARK, NJ — People like Jaleel “JaRich” Ritchwood-Jordan are part of the fabric of Newark. And although the beloved educator will soon be leaving New Jersey, the wave of positive energy he left will endure in his students and the young people he’s mentored over the years.

Recently, Ritchwood-Jordan told Patch that he’s moving to Dallas, Texas to start a new phase of his educational career, which began with humble roots as a classroom aide at Harriet Tubman Elementary School in Newark. Ritchwood-Jordan soon moved on to become a one-on-one aide at Thirteenth Avenue School, earning a substitute teacher certification before taking the reins of his own classroom at Marion P. Thomas Charter School.

It’s there that he co-founded the Boys to Men mentoring group, which gives Black and Brown teens in Newark a place they can find common ground, be vulnerable and share their experiences – something that can make a huge difference in their lives. In addition to learning crucial personal skills via events like “Dress For Success Days,” the teens have also given back to their community, holding a coat drive for homeless people and others in need last winter.

Apart from teaching special education, Ritchwood-Jordan – who makes music under the stage name JaRich – soon found other outlets for his community work, founding a nonprofit and raising money and awareness for other community groups. Read More: Newark Teacher, Musician Finds Meaning In Nonprofit Work

Over the years, Ritchwood-Jordan has helped to put together scholarships and organize community events like bookbag drives, often leveraging his stage presence as a musician or donating profits he makes from his albums. But teaching has always been there for him – and so have his students.

“I came into this profession immediately after leaving college, not knowing how long I would last,” he told Patch, recounting his pathway to the head of the classroom.

“Every challenge I’ve faced this far has brought me to this place now,” he added.

Things have been blowing up for Ritchwood-Jordan since he found his calling in the classroom. In April, he was a surprise guest on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, which praised his work with children with special needs and advocacy for kids with autism.

Ritchwood-Jordan was also one of several educators from across the state who were recently picked to share their stories with the New Jersey Public Charter Schools Association in honor of National Teacher Appreciation Week.

“I wear many hats,” he said, mentioning his roles as a parent, educator, counselor, singer, actor and an activist. “All of those things make up an educator. And that’s who I am – and I’m very proud of it.”

For now, his work in Newark will be coming to an end. Ritchwood-Jordan told Patch that he will be moving to Dallas on Sept. 7 to run a 4th grade program with Cityscape Schools. He will also be attending class himself, pursing an educational leadership degree at grad school, while continuing to chase his dreams as a musician and entertainer.

But before he leaves the Garden State, Ritchwood-Jordan has one more good deed up his sleeve: this year’s “Genesis Explosion.”

According to Ritchwood-Jordan, the annual “live worship experience” and community prayer event will feature special guests, music and back-to-school giveaways. It will take place from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10 at 40 Avon Avenue in Newark.

Ritchwood-Jordan said the Genesis Explosion is a joint effort of We Thrive, Inc., a collaboration with his family and childhood friends: Desiree Tindell, Donovan Tindell and Sabria Adkins.

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Ritchwood-Jordan said he’s going to miss everything about teaching in Newark, but especially the Boys to Men club – although he knows it will be left in good hands.

“It’s really been killing me as time gets closer that I won’t be there in the physical to continue the work we started last school year,” he said. “This group allowed young men to take of the masks of hiding themselves and the constraints of peer pressure and to see things from the lens of grown men who look like them, but who have also walked in their shoes at some point or the other.”

It’s an urgent need in a state where youth of color make up 56 percent of the student population, but educators of color – including men – make up just 16 percent of the state’s entire teacher workforce. Read More: NJ Needs More Teachers Of Color. This Newark Group Wants To Help

“I’m proud that I’ve been able to spend almost the last decade of my life to the developmental growth of Black and Brown children and providing resources and support almost always and when needed,” Ritchwood-Jordan said. “Giving children opportunities outside of the classroom is what drives me.”

“This is a time and the time for people of color to get into the classroom and be the change we seek—to educate our own children and give them an experience that’s conducive to their backgrounds, culture and experiences,” Ritchwood-Jordan added.

His advice to aspiring teachers?

“Get into this work because you’re passionate about it and you believe in our next generation of leaders and influencers,” Ritchwood-Jordan told Patch.

• See related article: Essex County 'Teacher Of Year' Is A Special Education Expert
• See related article: Newark Teacher Of Year Has 'Passion, Patience' For Deaf Students

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