Promotion of Education and Professional Enrichment
Where educators collaborate to advance the mission of leading and learning
Meet the 1st Vincent E. Reed Scholarship Recipient
Iris T. Gonzales
I started school when I was four years old. I walked every day to and from school with my mom always passing the uneven sidewalk, always walking ahead of her. My mom and my dad spoke Spanish, nothing more; school was just as new for me as it was for them. They were lost and confused, really hoping that someone who spoke Spanish would be at my school to help them. I didn’t know a single English word except “hi” and “goodbye.” I met my first teachers, the teachers that gave me a way to connect with the world. They taught me the English language, and along with a little bit of PBS kids at home, I now knew more than just single words. Now I knew how to say, “need food,” and “my parents and I went to La Morazán grocery this weekend” when it was time to share during circle time.
I carried this new language with me as I attended new schools, moving often. I had ESOL teachers every year, and one of my ESOL teachers realized that she had me and my sister as her students. She asked me if I could teach my sister her sight words using flashcards and stickers that she provided. I was 11 years old giving my first lesson on the living room floor in our apartment with my sister sitting across from me. She was listening to me, processing, and applying. I realized in this moment that I was passing down what every teacher in my life had built in me.
My experiences have allowed me to proceed in reaching a higher education, something that my parents were not lucky to have. My career goal is to become an elementary education teacher and to get to hear my students call me Ms. Gonzales. Within this goal, I am going to build connections with families and make resources accessible by translating them in Spanish and other languages. School nights that emphasize sharing culture are something that I will advocate for and host. Another career goal is to go to different countries to teach children English, giving
back the gift of language that my teachers gave to me. I understand the challenges that Latino children have or any child that comes from a household that is not an English speaker because I once lived with those challenges too. As a future educator I am going to take my experiences and use them to create a learning space for everyone, creating an equal learning opportunity for all my students regardless of barriers. Together me and my students will break those barriers.
2026 Leadership Empowerment Conference
2026 Leadership Empowerment Conference: Leading in the Present with Eyes on the Future Featuring Award Winning Washington Post Journalist Michelle Singletary
Tailored Learning Experience
This 2nd annual event will unite leaders from various districts to focus on Career Pathways, Financial Planning, Self-Care, and Entrepreneurship. This diverse group of leaders will network and learn how to prepare for “what’s next” in their respective lives.
Learner Centered
Learner Centered
This is your chance to dive into the heart of issues that affect you personally. You will gain valuable insights from leaders who have successfully navigated careers similar to what you currently do or aspire to do.
About School Club DC
Ninsy Arias Enamorado
Ninsy Arias Enamorado
Ninsy Arias Enamorado
The School Club has identifies Ninsy Arias Enamorado, an applicant for the 1st Vincent E. Reed School Club Scholarship as one of two runnerups to receive a one time gift of $1,000.00
Join us we Congratulate Ninsy Arias Enamorado a junior majoring in Early Childhood and Special Education
Brianna Smith
Ninsy Arias Enamorado
Ninsy Arias Enamorado
The School Club has identifies Brianna Smith, an applicant for the 1st Vincent E. Reed School Club Scholarship as one of two runnerups to receive a one time gift of $1,000.00
Join us we Congratulate Brianna Smith a junior majoring in Elementary Education
History of the School Club
1907 - Present
At the turn of the 20th century, a group of nine educators in the Colored Public Schools of the District of Columbia would gather together to socialize and play whist together. These men were: H. L. Bailey; J.C. Bruce; R. C. Bruce; F. L. Cardozo; W.T. S. Jackson; A.P. Lewis; J. C. Nalle; J. E. Syphax; and J. E. Walker.
On May 4, 1907, several of the founding members and others gathered together at the Garnet School to form a professional social club. They called the new organization, The School Club.
William Tecumseh Sherman Jackson, who had followed Francis L. Cardozo as Principal of the M Street School, was elected as the first president. He determined that at each meeting, along with social activities, time would be devoted to discuss current educational issues. A review of these discussions and exchanges among club members surfaced a common continuing goal: the improvement of the quality of education for Negroes in Washington, D.C. The achievement of this goal was especially significant during this period when Washington, D.C. operated a segregated school system. This practice continues today and discussions/presentations have been expanded to include current trends, developments and changes in Washington, D.C., the metropolitan area, and the educational arena.
In June 2013, two women educators were invited to join The School Club, thus amending the one hundred and six year tradition of having an organization exclusively for men. The two women, Dr. Floretta Dukes McKenzie, a retired superintendent of DC Public Schools and Charlotte Jarvis-Cureton, a retired administrator of DC Public Schools. Anita Berger was elected the first female president in 2021.
DCPS has recognized the special contributions of some of the members of The School Club by naming the following schools for them:
- Cardozo Senior High School (now Cardozo Education Campus ) for Francis Cardozo;
- Clark Elementary School for Eugene Clark;
- Savoy Elementary School for A. Kiger Savoy;
- Nalle Elementary School for J.C. Nalle;
- Wilkerson Elementary School for Garnet C. Wilkerson;
- Montgomery Elementary School for Winfield Scott Montgomery;
- Penn Career Center for Lemuel A. Penn;
- Jackson-Reed High School for Vincent Reed.
Similarly, one of the city libraries is named after Francis A. Gregory. In addition, several School Club members have provided leadership to the District of Columbia Public Schools and other jurisdictions. They are:
- Garnet C. Wilkerson as the first Assistant Superintendent of the Colored Schools
- Harold A. Hayes as Assistant Superintendent of the Colored Schools
- Benjamin I. Henley as Acting Superintendent of DC Public Schools (twice);
- Vincent E. Reed as Superintendent of DC Public Schools;
- Andrew E. Jenkins as Superintendent of DC Public Schools;
- James Williams as Superintendent of Dayton Public schools and Buffalo Public Schools
- Michael Durso as President of the Montgomery County Board of Education
- Sito Narcisse as Superintendent of Baton Rouge Public Schools
- Floretta Dukes McKenzie as Superintendent of DC Public Schools.
- Darryl Williams as Superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools
- Frazier O’Leary as Ward 4 member of the DC State Board of Education
Club Member Highlight
Executive Board School Club DC
Anita Berger President
Born and raised in Washington D.C., Anita Berger became Benjamin Banneker Academic High School’s principal in 2005. Under her leadership, the school introduced the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and achieved a 100% graduation and college acceptance rate. Berger’s commitment to quality education has earned her prestigious awards and national recognition, including the 2009 NASSP D.C. Principal of the Year award, the 2013 Rubenstein Award for Highly Effective School Leaders and the 2017 D.C. Public Schools Principal of the Year award.
Behind every successful organization lies a great leader. Someone that sets a good example; that challenges others to do their very best and won’t let them give up; someone that empowers, is firm but fair; and cares about others and how they are doing, all while remaining humble. All of those traits and more can be said regarding Principal Anita Berger of Benjamin Banneker Academic High School in Washington, D.C.
Benjamin Banneker high school is an alternative public institution of secondary education, where students in grades 9-12 are engaged in rigorous and varied academic experiences. The environment of the school is designed to provide students with a highly structured college preparatory program. Before graduating, every student must complete 270 hours of community service, which often serves as job training. And the curriculum of the school affords opportunities for developing knowledge, talents, and skills needed for success in post-secondary experiences.
Principal Berger, who arrived at Banneker seventeen years ago after teaching at Howard, says, “Here at Benjamin Banneker we try to make global citizens. We have very strict guidelines that must be adhered to as far as dress code, no cellular devices, and other rules to assure that there are no distractions that would interfere with the students learning process. Our goal is that 100% of our students are successful, become high school graduates, and are accepted to college.”
And in order to reach that goal requires 100% commitment and dedication from the students as well as the staff at the school. Berger continues, “There are many late and tiresome nights as the principal, but just having students come to me the next morning with success stories or acceptance letters makes it all worth it. At times it can seem like a hard job, but it’s very rewarding when alumni come back and say how much they appreciate the school and the positive affect it has had on their lives overall. That’s gratitude enough for me.”
However, Principal Berger does not neglect the commitment from the school’s staff or partnerships with other organizations. She stated, “In order to be successful, students need staff and others that are dedicated to helping them achieve their goal; and when you can get a committed group of people, it will work…..they will be successful.”
Miss Berger’s dedication and commitment to having a positive impact on the lives of youth, as well as her outstanding personal character traits is what made the Chris Draft Family Foundation (CDFF) highlight the principal and her achievements through its Character Team Initiative.
The focal point of the Character Team™ Initiative is to provide unchanging, unwavering, and indestructible standards as a means of measurement focusing on the key character traits of: compassion, courage, honest, perseverance, respect, responsible, and self-discipline; which Principal Berger exemplifies and so much more.
Chris Draft stated, “Miss Berger is leading her school with a high level of character and holding that same high standard for her staff and students, which is why Banneker consistently ranks as one of the top Public schools in the country.
Draft took full advantage of the opportunity to establish a relationship with the principal and school when he took a trip to Washington D.C. to receive a J.B. Award for Community Service. He also knew that this connection would give him yet another opportunity to make a positive impact by bringing the message of the foundation’s Character Team™ initiative to the school; teaching the kids to be the best people they can be.
Getting the chance to go over and visit Benjamin Banneker, Draft was able to do an assembly with U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings, Chancellor Michelle Rhee and fellow NFL veteran Warrick Dunn, where they honored some students and parents for their commitment to their community. During an early morning meeting with a council of student leaders, he used the example of the film The Great Debaters to illustrate a point to the students. After making his point, he went on to explain the impact of the film in St. Louis, Atlanta and Clayton County and students became very interested in the concept of “A Discussion and A Movie.”
While the Secretary and Warrick moved on, Chris and Principal Anita Berger continued to discuss the merits of a large group viewing and the value of a moderated roundtable discussion following a powerful film like The Great Debaters.
With the blessing of Principal Anita Berger, A Discussion and A Movie™ The Great Debaters took place at Benjamin Banneker Academic High School on May 2, 2008. The screening took place in the school’s auditorium involved approximately 400 students who represented the entire student body. Immediately following the film, the roundtable discussion, which was moderated by Chris Draft, included guests from the D.C. Metro area. Representatives from the U.S. Department of Education, Howard University and former NFL veterans from the NFLRPA chapter in Washington D.C. rounded out the panel on the stage and encourage the students in sharing their opinions on the film.
Prior to the end of the discussion, Chris introduced The Great Debaters Essay Contest to the students, challenging every student to select a topic of their choice from the list and telling him what they thought, either of the film or about the election or any event or experience of their own. The winners of the essay contest would receive similar prizes, including 2 tickets to see Chris and the St. Louis Rams take on the Washington Redskins in October when his team returns for an away game and a tour of the White House a week before the Obama inauguration. Four winners were selected from each grade as winners of the contest.
Principal Berger thought A Discussion and A Movie was a huge success. She stated, “The discussion side made it more than just watching a movie and the kids were able to see it in a different light as well as it made them think. I feel the whole concept should actually happen more often; and possibly become a part of the curriculum. Also, just having an NFL star talking to the children says so much and really encourages them. And Chris’ passion and dedication really speaks through his words.”
Needless to say, Chris along with the students at Benjamin Banneker feels that Miss Berger’s dedication and character speaks for itself as well, and Chris and the CDFF applaud her and the school, and says, “Thank you Miss Anita Berger for all that you do and congratulations on being recognized as the District of Columbia’s 2009 State Principal of the year!”
Dr. Mark E. King Vice President
Dr. Mark King has over 30 years of experience in public education serving as a middle and high school principal in Prince George's County, Maryland for several years before joining DCPS in 2010. In his position as Instructional Superintendent, he supervised the public middle schools across Washington, DC, for 5 years. During his tenure, the middle schools outpaced every other urban district in NAEP scores and in TUDA scores. In 2015, he was promoted to the position of Deputy Chief of Operations and Programs. He led the overall operations of the system, which included security, food services, facilities, and after school programs.
He is a former K-8 principal supervisor of 13 schools, in Baltimore City, where he led 2 schools out of possible reconstruction by MSDE. He has presented across the country at several conferences including the Council of Great City Schools, Men of Color in Educational Leadership, National Alliance of Black School Educators, BOOST and Beyond School Hours.
Dr. Darryl Williams Secretary
Darryl L. Williams was appointed superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) on May 21, 2019, by the Board of Education of Baltimore County. He brought to BCPS decades of experience as an educator and administrator in Montgomery County Public Schools and District of Columbia Public Schools.
Highlights of Dr. William’s tenure with BCPS include:
- Developing a new and improved strategic plan, “The Compass – Our Pathway to Excellence,” approved by the Board of Education in June 2020.
- Guiding the school system through the global health pandemic that began in March 2020.
- Working with central office leaders to revitalize the “Teaching and Learning” framework and to use multiple data points when analyzing student progress.
- Revealing 197 recommendations from an efficiency review conducted by Public Works LLC, in collaboration with Baltimore County government (fall 2021). Under Dr. Williams’ leadership, BCPS implemented 88 percent of the recommendations by March 2022. Enhancements helped the system reduce expenses and operate more efficiently.
- Initiating a Community Partnership Fair in July 2022. The inaugural event brought together hundreds of nonprofits (that are current or aspiring school/school system partners) with school principals and central office staff. Together, participants explored ways to increase and broaden community partnerships with schools. Dr. Williams continues to collaborate with community leaders and BCPS stakeholders, using an equity lens, to analyze and improve school programs and initiatives to achieve better student outcomes.
Dr. Williams began his professional career as a mathematics teacher at his high school alma mater, Benjamin Banneker Academic High School. He then began a 25-year tenure with Montgomery County Public Schools as a mathematics teacher. He was promoted and successfully served as principal of three high schools, and ultimately rose to an associate superintendency. As associate superintendent, he and his directors supervised eight high schools, two specialty schools, 15 middle schools, and 44 elementary schools.
With more than 30 years of experience in education, Dr. Williams has been honored for his work by many organizations. Most recently, he earned the NAACP Award for Educational Leadership Excellence from the Baltimore County Branch; Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Baltimore Alumni Chapter Award; 2021 Innovation in Education Award from the Education Foundation of BCPS; and the Northeastern Region of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority’s Notable Centennial Honoree Award in 2022.
Beyond BCPS, Dr. Williams serves the community in various capacities. He is a member of the Large Countywide and Suburban District Consortium, which is affiliated with AASA (the School Superintendents Association); College Board Superintendents’ Advisory Council; National Alliance of Black School Educators; School Club (in Washington, D.C.); Benjamin Banneker Academic High School Alumni Association; Hampton University Alumni Association of Baltimore; University of Maryland College Park College of Education Alumni Board; Baltimore County Branch of NAACP; and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. He serves as secretary on the executive committee of the Public School Superintendents’ Association of Maryland (PSSAM). Dr. Williams regularly mentors aspiring principals and superintendents and has served on several dissertation committees.
A native Washingtonian, Dr. Williams was a member of the first graduating class of Benjamin Banneker Academic High School. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from Hampton University and a Master of Arts degree in educational administration from American University. He completed his doctoral degree in educational policy and leadership from the University of Maryland College Park.
Dr. Williams and his wife, Shellie Bronson Williams, live in Baltimore County and are the parents of three young adults. Outside of work, Dr. Williams is a talented musician, loves watching sports, exercising, reading about leadership, going to the movies, and spending time with his family. He loves to learn about people through travel and hopes to visit to all the Historically Black Colleges and Universities and to return to Colombia, South America, where he was an exchange student during high school.
Dr. Williams appreciates his job as superintendent for the opportunities to innovate, lead, and collaborate with students and staff, and to support students as they grow and pursue their higher education and careers.
Leonard Upson Secretary
Leonard A. Upson is an education consultant for leadership development with more than 35 years of experience as a teacher, coach, and administrator in urban school settings. Mr. Upson brings insights and skills in instructional leadership and organizational change and has received numerous awards for his endeavors including Junior High School Principal of the Year by D.C Public Schools in 1983, Principal of the Year by the District of Columbia Association of Secondary Schools in 1989, for his success in improving a school’s culture, climate, and academic outcomes for students within the schools he had lead K – 12.
Mr. Upson was also identified as a Principal of Excellence by the Washington Post in 1997 for improving the school climate, student test scores in reading and math at Calvin Coolidge High School which had been identified as a low performing school plagued with violence in 1993. After receiving a Leadership Degree from Harvard University, Mr. Upson served as a member of Harvard University’s Principals’ Center Staff for 15 years. This role spurred his development as a trainer, mentor and coach school and business leaders.
In 2002, Mr. Upson was chosen to serve as the Head of Schools for the Community Academy Public Charter Schools that served over 2,000 students on 5 Campuses. In this role he had the responsibility for providing leadership of all operations, the general administration, managing staff, enrollment, instruction, testing, safety and security, identifying needs, policies, p professional development, business and/or other operations while overseeing Day-to-Day operations.
A native of Washington, D.C., Mr. Upson earned a Master’s Degree in Urban Learning at George Washington University. His professional memberships include The School Club of Washington, National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development, 100 Fathers Inc., and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He currently serves as Director for Leadership Development with Capstone at Howard University. Additionally, In October 2013 Mr. Upson was certified by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and Gallup as a Mentor and Coach for elementary and secondary principals.
In the year 2013, Mr. Upson became the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the Inner Voices, Inc. to plan, coordinate, manage and implement a safe and secure environment for women who have been victims of Domestic Violence who reside at the Freddi House. All women are referred, to the Freddi House, by the Crime Victims Compensation Program located in Washington, DC. Lastly, in 2018, Mr. Upson created a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit, to provide “Jobs for Women” who are victimized by Domestic Violence to enable them to become financially stable. Research has shown that financial instability is the number one reason why abused women return to their abusers.
Maria Tukeva Parliamentarian
Maria Tukeva, principal of Columbia Heights Education Campus (CHEC), was named District of Columbia Public Schools Principal of the Year, DCPS under Chancellor Kaya Henderson.
“A veteran educator with more than 30 years experience as a school leader, Maria Tukeva has proven her ability to guide and motivate students and teachers at what she describes as a ‘small city’ at Columbia Heights Education Campus,” said Chancellor Henderson. “By setting ambitious goals for her school community, Columbia Heights made some of the highest DC CAS gains in the district during the 2010-2011 school year— nearly 15 percent in math and 12 percent in reading.”
Thirty-one years prior, Principal Tukeva founded the school now known as CHEC (originally called the Multicultural Career Intern Program) as an alternative school. She recognized that children who were learning English faced academic challenges that put them at a disadvantage. Nonetheless, she set high expectations for her students and continues to push her students to reach their academic potential.
“I have to keep thinking about what envelope to push next, what challenge we must overcome,” Tukeva said.
It is this foresight that has taken CHEC from a 40-student campus at its inception to a thriving school, complete with a daycare center and resources for families in the Columbia Heights community.
With a student body of about 1,300 students, Tukeva gets to know each one and stays visible throughout the school day, visiting classrooms, the cafeteria, and the library to spend time with her students and staff.
Tukeva was honored at “A Standing Ovation for DC Teachers at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts”. This was the second-annual event, featuring Grammy Award-winning recording artist John Legend and other national and local celebrities.
For more information about A Standing Ovation for DC Teachers, visit http://www.standingovationfordcteachers.org/