Discipline can be the difference between success and failure for male students of color in our education system. Suspensions, expulsions or other forms of discipline can disrupt their education journey and put them at greater risk of dropping out or being involved with law enforcement — a cycle that disproportionately affects these communities. 

Kendrick Thomas, an assistant principal in Alief ISD, is changing the narrative. He has been in education for 10 years and is a graduate of the University of Houston. Kendrick started his career as a paraprofessional, then moved on to being a teacher and football coach and assistant principal in elementary school.

Kendrick, aka KTTEEV, is also host of the Education Unleashed Podcast, where he brings on guests who are making waves in the field of education. His book about education for male students of color and other minorities is set to be released soon. Kendrick has had a unique journey, growing up without a father, moving in with his grandmother and going back to school later in life, earning his undergraduate and master’s degrees. Now he’s working at inner city schools with some of the most challenging students.

To truly make our schools more equitable places, where everyone has an opportunity to thrive, Kendrick believes it is essential to understand the role disciplinary policies play in the perpetuation of recidivism among minority students. According to Kendrick, policy decisions that address these systemic inequalities benefit all students. 

On this episode we speak to Kendrick about his upbringing, his podcast and his role as an administrator, working with students who are close to entering the juvenile justice system. We share similarities and strategies to work with marginalized youth, post pandemic. 

—William Jeffery is curating Flipboard EDU Podcast

“Coach Jeffery” is an award-winning digital learning educator and principal at Columbia High School in Texas. His tech pedagogy continues to drive him to curate educational content on Flipboard that highlights teaching strategies, edtech, and ways to improve student success. He hosts the “Flipboard EDU Podcast” as yet another way to share resources with peers.