Malaika Brewer: Northeast Learning Community Teacher Of The Year, Charlotte-Mecklenburg

Press release from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools:

4/20/2021

Malaika Brewer, a social studies teacher at Ridge Road Middle, is known for her pearls and classic style. However, her teaching experience is anything but traditional.

"For several years, I was a studio teacher for On Location Education. During my tenure, I was able to teach child stars on movie sets, reality television shows and sitcoms, and was the set tutor for the Rockettes' Christmas Spectacular," said Brewer. "I also homeschooled many children of celebrities. I've had the opportunity to teach conversational English to scholars in Korea and online for the Georgia Cyber Academy. Before I came to Ridge Road, I was writing and editing the educational curriculum for the Army Reserves."

No matter the setting, she has a nonnegotiable. Students must address her by her last name. In turn, she does the same.

"It's a sign of respect that goes both ways," said Brewer. "I have great expectations for all of my students. I am preparing them for life outside of the classroom, too."

Brewer said that when she began her teaching career 27 years ago, she aspired to be a Teacher of the Year. After a while, she said it didn't even cross her mind. Brewer was doing what she loved, and that was all that mattered to her. She was shocked when she found out her peers had nominated her and she was now a finalist.

"I didn't even remember some of the things I'd been involved in. I was like, 'Wow, that person is amazing!' and then I was like, 'It's me, they are talking about me.' I was speechless," said Brewer.

Caring for children has always been Brewer's passion, but teaching wasn't the profession she was initially going to choose. She wanted to be a neonatal nurse. She was fortunate enough to shadow a few peers and quickly realized it was not the right career path. Brewer was reminded of a saying, 'Tell God your plans if you want to make him laugh.'

Brewer's respect and love for her students and the profession are evident.

Her colleague Monica Richburg wrote this when nominating her: "Ms. Brewer makes sure she stays in touch with her students even after they leave middle school. She continues to hold them to those high standards to be the best that they can be. She has helped to shape and mold some of the most challenging scholars in the school, and they respect her for never giving up on them and making them work hard to become better students."

Richburg also wrote that Brewer has served as the social studies department chair and on several school committees, has contributed to the success of many beginning teachers and is a representation of what a teacher should be.

"Malaika's high level of expectation for students is mirrored by her tenacious spirit. She is thorough and thoughtful in all that she does. Malaika embodies a deep sense of pride in the teaching profession and consistently advocates for students and teachers alike. She will be the first to tell you that she is a Ridge Road Raven to the core! We appreciate her commitment to serving the students in our amazing school community," said Principal Courtlyn Reeves.

This year has not been an easy one, but Brewer has met it head-on with confidence, poise and a positive outlook.

"Yes, there have been challenges with virtual and then a hybrid model. The plus side is that I've gotten to talk to more parents, in kitchens or when they are dropping off lunch to their child, than ever before," said Brewer. "I've met more dogs and baby sisters and brothers, as well as gotten to see what's for breakfast."

To keep her students motivated, Brewer teaches in a way that allows her students to draw parallels between the past and present. Students don't always realize they are simultaneously learning reading, comprehension, writing, notetaking, public speaking, research and economics.

"World Civilizations allows us to appreciate the cultures of the past and learn how this melting pot we live in was created. In every civilization we study, I teach the students about the politics, economy, religion, social norms and innovations of that culture. It's never a dull moment," said Brewer.

The past has played a role in how Brewer teaches in the present.

"I watched my mother and grandmother get dressed for church every Sunday with their pearls. That's where my love for them began," said Brewer. "You see, I saw it every day. It was consistent. In teaching, I'm setting the example and being the constant so my students can flourish and find their passions in life."

This press release was produced by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. The views expressed are the author's own.